A Farewell Ode to Jabari Parker

It may not be a surprise to all
That Parker’s time spinning a ball
In Milwaukee is done.
No full seasons; not one.
The 2014 2nd pick overall.

Undeniable was his Duke pedigree
That saw him draft high to our fair Brew City,
A town that had reasons
To hope for good seasons
Centered around this young Jabari.

And immediately it seemed we were right
(At least after a subpar Miller Park night):
The rookie started hot
Not wasting his shot.
Winning: a welcome new sight.

But lo, ner’ a few months into his game
An ACL tear struck the young stallion lame.
A first season gone.
A second, less long
And he never returned quite the same.

A year before Parker’s arrival
A simple Greek kid, now idol,
Meant to be two
But quickly he grew.
Fair or not, papers painted a rival.

So when Parker got back on the court
His minutes were cut somewhat short.
Through no fault of his own
He’d missed out on his throne.
But for him, it was all for the sport.

His third season started out fine
As the team was biding their time
To complement Parker
Giannis/Khash as starters
The three stars healthy and primed.

But on that horrible February nine
With Middleton back in the line
Fate, that fickle bitch,
Pulled a fast bait and switch
That saw Parker fall to the pine.

A second ACL tear, the horror
A full year off the hardwood floor.
He could’ve got bitter,
Or taken to Twitter.
Instead he helped us all soar.

Though Chicago was where he was raised
Milwaukee would earn love and praise
Plus a well-written ode
(Not unlike our own)
To stick with him until better days.

Milwaukee was ready when he was
For a return to form because
The team had become
A formidable one
And we hoped he could cover our few flaws

But try as he did, with support of the fans,
The Bucks had developed a winning new plan.
No longer the team
Back in twenty-fourteen,
A promise that had barely began.

This season was over, a future unsure
With rumors about a pending departure
‘Bari took it in stride
And took it outside
To Bay View for last pickup game, pure.

It soon became clear he would be heading down
To Chicago, returning back to his hometown.
The Bulls made an offer,
The Bucks were not scoffer
(Though the media sure made a sound).

The truth is we loved Parker’s time here
And appreciate the goodwill he endear’d.
We hope you stay healthy.
(We know you’ll get wealthy.)
Next season we’ll buy the first beer.

Featured image made by Joe Powell for The Squeaky Curd. Original Jabari Parker image from Keith Allison on Flicker. Original Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy image from Red Bubble.