After a promising rookie campaign was derailed by a torn ACL, Parker was limited in training camp heading into last season. Parker’s lack of reps resulted in him missing the first four games, before he eventually took the court under a minute restriction that held through the end of November. Initially upon his return, Parker didn’t make much of a notable impact from either a fantasy or real-life perspective, playing a fairly limited role as a scorer while struggling on the defensive end. Parker’s uneven performance could be partially attributed to some rustiness in his return from a major knee operation, but once February hit, the 21-year-old took off. From the All-Star break onward, Parker averaged 18.9 points (on 49.8% shooting), 6.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 36.6 minutes per game, establishing himself as a worthy member of the Bucks’ stellar young nucleus that includes Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. Parker still has plenty of deficiencies in his game -- he’s yet to develop a reliable three-point stroke and even after the break, his defense was still problematic -- but none of those weaknesses should inhibit him from taking his fantasy stock up another notch in 2016-17. It would be nice if he could contribute more in the non-scoring categories, but for a mid-round draft pick, he’ll fill out a fantasy roster nicely.

The second overall pick in 2014 is still in the midst of rehabbing his left knee following an ACL tear in December. Regardless of when Parker is cleared to return to the court, he's expected to pick up where he left off prior to the injury. In 25 starts last season, Parker averaged 30 minutes, 12.3 points, 1.7 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. Prior to the injury, the imposing, 6-9 Parker was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for October/November, and he shot nearly 60 percent from the field in the month of December. Already boasting one of the stingiest defenses in the league, the Bucks view Parker as the high-volume scorer and shot creator who can push them past the first round of the playoffs. With a great deal of the club's future hinging on his progress, the Bucks are in no position to rush Parker back from injury. While hope remains that he'll be ready for Opening Night, it's possible Parker's return could be delayed several weeks. Whenever he does return, he's expected to step in as the starting power forward, but he'll also see time at small forward in what could often be a fairly positionless frontcourt rotation.

The second-overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Parker shined as a freshman at Duke last season, averaging 19.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 35 games. While Mercer ousted Duke in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Parker was named to the All-ACC First Team and finished second to T.J. Warren for conference player of the year honors. A potential franchise-changing type of talent, Parker immediately steps in as the face of a franchise transitioning into a new era. He figures to see big minutes from day one and is virtually guaranteed to open the season as a starter. The question, though, is: where will new coach Jason Kidd play him? At 6-8, 235, Parker has prototypical size for the small forward spot, but he's also an excellent finisher around the rim and has experience in a stretch-four role. A 36-percent three-point shooter, Parker is comfortable working on the perimeter, as well as driving to the rim. Some reports have suggested the Bucks allegedly intend to use him at power forward, but with Ersan Ilyasova already on the roster, the small forward spot appears to make more sense. Regardless, Parker should be among the NBA's most productive rookies, even if he struggles to adjust to the pace of the NBA game.