Milwaukee Bucks’ Jabari Parker (12) grimaces as he drives against the Miami Heat’s Luke Babbitt during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, in Milwaukee. Parker was injured on the play and left the game. AP PHOTO
LOS ANGELES—Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker tore a ligament in his left knee and will miss the rest of the NBA season, the team said Thursday.
The extent of the injury was confirmed in an MRI exam on Thursday. Parker will require surgery and is expected to be sidelined for approximately 12 months.
It’s the second time the 21-year-old has torn his left anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Two years ago a similar injury cut short his rookie season.
Milwaukee coach Jason Kidd said there will be some tough mental hurdles for the 21-year-old.
“It’s always tough anytime you have a serious injury,” Kidd said. “For anybody, whether you’re an athlete or a normal person, just to go through the same injury again is extremely tough.”
Parker was hurt in the third quarter of Wednesday’s loss to the Miami Heat when his knee buckled as he drove to the basket. The second overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft was helped from the floor by teammates, and the injury initially diagnosed as a sprain.
Prior to the injury he was averaging 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game this season.
Veteran center John Henson said the news was a big blow for a Bucks team that has dropped 11 of their last 13 games.
“It takes the spirit from you. Any time you see a kid like that go down,” Henson said. “I think he’s the most improved player in the NBA. It sucks.”