Once seen as the cornerstone of the Milwaukee Bucks, Jabari Parker has found a new home and purpose in the EuroLeague. Drafted No. 2 overall in 2014, Parker’s NBA career was marked by injuries and unmet expectations. Now, after his first season overseas, Parker has embraced his new chapter, continuing to adapt his game and rediscover his place in professional basketball.
From the Bucks to Barcelona: Jabari Parker’s Journey of Resilience
Jabari Parker’s Tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks
Jabari Parker entered the NBA with high expectations after a standout year at Duke, averaging 19.1 points and 8.7 rebounds in his only college season. Though Duke was eliminated in the first round of March Madness, Parker had already impressed NBA scouts enough to secure his No. 2 overall selection by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2014.
Parker’s rookie season started with promise but was cut short by an ACL injury during his 25th game. Up to that point, he had averaged 12.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. The injury halted his momentum, but he returned the following season, playing 76 games and showing significant improvement, even though the Bucks struggled, winning just 33 games.
The following year, 2016-2017, would be Parker’s best in a Bucks uniform. He thrived as a starter, playing 51 games and averaging a career-high 20.1 points, with 6.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists. However, tragedy struck again when Parker suffered a second ACL tear, cutting his season short and putting his future with Milwaukee in jeopardy.
Despite the Bucks’ hopes for his recovery, defensive struggles significantly hindered Parker’s return. With Giannis Antetokounmpo emerging as the franchise’s focal point, Milwaukee decided to part ways with Parker in 2018. After his time with Milwaukee, he had several NBA stops, including Chicago, Washington, Atlanta, Sacramento, and Boston, but struggled to find consistency.
By the summer of 2023, the Milwaukee Bucks included Parker on their Summer League roster. However, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reported that Parker would not participate in the pre-season tournament due to a family matter.
The Move Overseas: Finding New Life in the EuroLeague
With his NBA opportunities dwindling, Jabari Parker sought a fresh start in 2023 by signing a one-year deal with FC Barcelona to resurrect his career in Europe. While it took some time to find his footing, Parker progressively established himself as a valuable asset within FC Barcelona’s lineup.
Parker became an essential part of Barcelona’s roster, averaging 10.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 38 EuroLeague games and contributing 12.3 points and 3.2 rebounds in 38 ACB League games. Adapting to the unique style of European basketball—a challenge for many players transitioning from the NBA—made his success in his first season even more impressive.
Though Barcelona came up short in both competitions, losing in the EuroLeague quarterfinals to Olympiacos and in the ACB semifinals to Real Madrid, Parker’s strong performance made it no surprise when the club extended his contract through 2026.
A reporter from Jijantes FC asked Parker to reflect on his first season with FC Barcelona, both on and off the court, and he became visibly emotional, struggling to respond and leaving viewers curious about the source of his tears.
Later, Parker explained:
“They were tears of gratitude. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to play again. In Barcelona, I’ve recovered my love for basketball.”
New Beginnings in the EuroLeague
Jabari Parker’s story is one of resilience. After injuries disrupted his time with the Bucks and throughout the NBA, he found a new beginning in the EuroLeague. His journey from Milwaukee to Barcelona represents not just a geographical shift but a personal transformation. Parker’s time in the EuroLeague has allowed him to rediscover his love for the game, proving that there is always another path to success, even if it doesn’t look like the one originally imagined.
