Jabari Parker has not been given an opportunity to make a big impact with the Bucks through their first two postseason games, and he is clearly frustrated over it. However, the former No. 2 overall pick admits he needs to adjust his mindset going forward.
While speaking with reporters after practice on Thursday, Parker was asked about only playing 10 minutes in Game 1 against the Boston Celtics and 15 minutes in Game 2. He wasn’t in the mood to provide insight into what Milwaukee has done right or wrong in its two losses, only saying “I don’t have those answers” when asked what the team must do to crawl out of its 0-2 series hole. Although, Parker did vow to start being a better teammate.
"Going forward, I'll just try to get a better person, a better man and be there for my teammates."@JabariParker's Full Media Availability: pic.twitter.com/FF1HM9u4sp
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 19, 2018
“It’s hard to play four minutes and sit out,” Parker said. “Nobody on the team can do that, especially at my position.”
Parker acknowledged that he might not be on interim coach Joe Prunty’s good side at the moment, though he claims he does not know what the reason for that would be.
“For myself, I just try to be a good teammate,” he said. “I’m not getting what I want right now, but there’s a bigger picture. I think I did a better job the second game. … Going forward, I’ll just try to be a better person, a better man and be there for my teammates.”
Parker returned to the lineup in February after suffering the second right ACL tear of his NBA career, and he averaged 12.6 points in 24.0 minutes per game during the regular season. For whatever reason, Prunty has shied away from him against Boston. There have been rumblings that the Bucks are frustrated with Parker’s attitude toward the team (and one teammate in particular), so that could have a lot to do with it.
Parker scored just two points on 1-of-5 shooting in Game 2. The Bucks desperately need a win on Friday, but it would not be a surprise if he plays a similar role in Game 3.
