Jabari Parker makes strides in recovery from knee injury

MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 23: Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks speaks with referee James Capers #19 during the second half of a game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on October 23, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stacy Revere/Getty Images/AFP

MILWAUKEE — Bucks forward Jabari Parker is taking nothing for granted as he works his way back from a second major knee injury in his brief NBA career.

The 22-year-old Parker practiced Tuesday with Milwaukee’s G League affiliate for the second straight day. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in left knee Feb. 8 and had surgery six days later.

“Basketball is my sanctuary,” Parker said following a scrimmage at the Bucks’ practice facility. “I love that I’m getting the chance to play on the court again. That’s one blessing that I won’t take for granted.”

Parker was selected by Milwaukee with the second overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft after he played one season at Duke. The 6-foot-8 forward then tore the ACL in his left knee during a 96-94 win at Phoenix in December of that year.

“I’m accepting of what I’ve been through,” Parker said.

He spoke with tempered optimism following Tuesday’s practice.

“I’m holding up really good,” Parker said.

Practicing with the Wisconsin Herd has allowed Parker to take part in full-court sessions, while the Bucks tend to conduct half-court practices at this point in the season given the team’s busy schedule.

“It gives him the opportunity to get up and down the court,” Bucks coach Jason Kidd said. “It also gives him the opportunity to go against different guys. Yesterday and today were positive.”

Parker averaged 20.1 points in 51 games last season before he got hurt. He said he has no plans to change his style of play.

“If you change your game, you change your mentality,” he said. “If you live in fear, you live with stress and doubt.”

Parker expects to practice with the Herd again, possibly at the team’s facility in Oshkosh, about 90 miles northwest of Milwaukee. He is hoping to be ready for game action with the Bucks sometime in February.

“I’m at the end of the tunnel,” Parker said. “I’m seeing the light and it’s really nice.”