The Milwaukee Bucks suffered a major blow on Thursday when an MRI confirmed that forward Jabari Parker will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL during a drive to the basket in Wednesday's loss to the Miami Heat.
It's the second time that Parker, 21, has ruptured the ligament in his left knee. He sat out the final 57 games of his rookie season in 2014-15 following the same injury.
Current and former athletes were quick to direct their sympathies via social media toward Parker, who had been enjoying the best season of his young career with averages of 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.
Prayers up for @JabariParker Injuries are the part of the game that sucks the most.
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) February 9, 2017
Prayers for @JabariParker !
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) February 9, 2017
Minnesota Timberwolves guard and former UCLA Bruins star Zach LaVine suffered a similar injury earlier this month. He wrote that Parker "[will] come through this stronger than ever." Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love, who also attended UCLA, mentioned both LaVine and Parker in his post.
Man my thoughts and prayers are with @JabariParker. Know you'll come through this stronger than ever.
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) February 9, 2017
Man, prayers for a speedy recovery to both @JabariParker and my UCLA brother @ZachLaVine. Minor setback.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) February 9, 2017
Several other members of the NBA -- including retired champions Scottie Pippen and Ron Harper -- sent Parker their well-wishes.
Prayers up for a healthy recovery bro 🙏🏽🙏🏽 @JabariParker
— Robert Covington (@Holla_At_Rob33) February 9, 2017
I know my brodeee @JabariParker is going to come back better than ever. My prayers go out to you brother. Stay up young OG
— Michael Carter-Willi (@MCW1) February 9, 2017
Damn, prayers up to Jabari Parker. Hate to hear about his injury, stay strong homie ✊🏽✊🏽
— Evan Turner (@thekidet) February 9, 2017
So disappointing to see young guns @JabariParker & @ZachLaVine have their seasons cut short. Hope they both come back stronger than ever.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) February 9, 2017
Sad news @JabariParker out with a ACL tear again keep your head up young guy I hope you a speedy recovering family. #strong #hardword #faith
— Ron Harper (@HARPER04_5) February 9, 2017
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley also gave Parker a shout-out, writing, "I know you'll bounce back like before." After all, Gurley knows about bouncing back. A torn ACL ended Gurley's collegiate career with the Georgia Bulldogs, but he was drafted by the Rams and returned to earn NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2015.
Hate to hear about @JabariParker. hope you have a speedy recovery, I know you'll bounce back like before.
— Todd Gurley II (@TG3II) February 9, 2017
The Bucks, who plucked Parker from the Duke Blue Devils with the second overall pick in the 2014 draft, offered fans the opportunity to send him their own "get well" cards.
As Jabari prepares for surgery and a strong recovery, send your best wishes by signing his get well card » https://t.co/iL0HSCV8D2 pic.twitter.com/2GrKhUm65r
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 9, 2017
Milwaukee announced that Parker will undergo surgery with an estimated recovery time of 12 months. The Bucks (22-29) are 11th in the Eastern Conference standings.
-- Nick Ostiller
