One of the most important players of the Milwaukee Bucks' young core, 2014 second overall pick forward Jabari Parker, is expected to be ready when training camp begins, but the team preaches cautiousness for the second-year player.
Parker was having a great performance in his rookie season last year, but it was abruptly ended by a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.
Before getting his season finished, Parker played in 25 regular season games, averaging 12.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest.
Now the young Bucks will be having the 20-year-old forward back when they start training camp in Madison on Sept. 29.
According to a report posted on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal's website, Bucks general manager John Hammond during the team's golf for charity event last Tuesday that Parker is ready to participate in training camp.
Hammond added that they do not have a specific date for Parker's return, but he is making progress.
"Wherever he's at, if we think he can play 30 minutes, we'll probably have him play 15. Wherever it might be, I think we're always going to be cautious with him," Hammond also shared.
Bucks head coach Jason Kidd, who was also present during the event, said Parker is looking great, although they will not be rushing him.
Kidd added that they hope the former Duke Blue Devil will be able to participate in camp and that will be the starting point.
The Bucks surprised a lot of people last season reaching the playoffs as the sixth-seeded team in the Eastern Conference, finishing the regular season with a 41–41 record.
Unfortunately, they faced a more experienced Chicago Bulls squad that eliminated them in six games.
But Milwaukee made some roster moves in the offseason like adding center Greg Monroe and guard Greivis Vásquez who will join a young cast that features budding players Parker, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Carter-Williams, and Khris Middleton.
The Bucks will open the 2015–16 season with a two-game home stand against the New York Knicks on Oct. 28 and the Washington Wizards on Oct. 30.
