Bucks forward Jabari Parker expects to participate in camp

With all of that considered, when the Bucks took to the floor to open up training camp in Madison on Tuesday, not only was Jabari Parker present, but he was a full participant.

“Day by day progression, regardless of how it goes”, Parker said Tuesday when asked if or how the team might manage his practice schedule.

“With everything that we were going through (for the arena), the fact that we were in Madison a lot anyway from a political standpoint – (Bucks president) Peter (Feigin) and his group – it fit”, Hammond said. Multiple locations were discussed, but the decision came from a phone conversation between general manager John Hammond and coach Jason Kidd. It gives me something to build off, a chance to get a few confidence.

The organization themselves seem set to be ultra cautious with Parker, and considering that he’s a potential franchise player that’s completely understandable.

“We’re so used to being in the Cousins Center”, Parker said.

Along with Parker, the Bucks’ young core returned intact, including forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, point guard Michael Carter-Williams and shooting guard Khris Middleton. Parker, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2014 draft, has that kind of ability, which is why his future and the Bucks’ future are so intertwined.

The 20-year-old sustained the injury in December a year ago, cutting short his promising rookie season in the National Basketball Association after 25 matches. In Kidd’s words, Parker turned a negative into a positive by using his rehab to add strength and size so he could hold his ground against power forwards.

“Just trying to bring guys together even more”, said Greg Monroe, the Bucks’ big addition in free agency.

That’s why all eyes are on Parker as the Bucks train on the UW campus.