Christmas may have come early for the Milwaukee Bucks, or at least their G League affiliate.
Bucks Get Creative With Dennis Smith Jr. Roster Move
On Friday, the Wisconsin Herd revealed that they signed former ninth overall pick Dennis Smith Jr., who was reportedly in Real Madrid’s crosshairs.
An athletic point guard, Smith’s career obviously didn’t pan out as expected after he left NC State. Due to the controversial proliferation of three-pointers, he quickly fell out of favor. As a result, the North Carolina native bounced around the league after being drafted in 2017. Though just 27 years old, he’s already played for six teams.
Welcome to the Herd, @Dennis1SmithJr
#HerdUp
pic.twitter.com/ZQPPRPBRky
— Wisconsin Herd (@WisconsinHerd) December 20, 2024
If he manages to get called up by the Bucks, they’ll be his seventh. If seven is indeed a lucky number, Smith could have his best season yet. However, even though many view basketball as a numbers game in this era, they aren’t banking on numerology.
Smith, who averaged 12.5 points, 6.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per 36 minutes with the Brooklyn Nets last season, will have to show his mettle. With that being said, while his skillset is imperfect, he could eventually emerge as Milwaukee’s backup point guard.
Smooth Maneuver, Cougar
The Bucks have a top-heavy roster. Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP and one-time Defensive Player of the Year, does most of the heavy lifting. Damian Lillard, an eight-time All-Star, is the lightning strike that accompanies Antetokounmpo’s thunderous booms.
After that, it gets a bit bleak for the midwest marauders.
Khris Middleton would be the perfect third option if he could stay healthy but that’s been his Achilles heel. Bobby Portis has long been one of the league’s better sixth men but tends to be inconsistent at both ends. Brook Lopez was underrated in his prime but the 36-year-old is now a role player. Together, this trio makes a whopping $67.3 million this season, effectively handicapping the front office.
As a result, the Bucks have had to get creative in their effort to add a high-quality impact player.
To this point, this has led to them convincing Gary Trent Jr. to sign with them for the veteran’s minimum in the offseason after he averaged 16.4 points per game with his previous team. Yet, even this hasn’t worked out for them. Trent got off to a rough start and 2023 No. 36 pick Andre Jackson Jr. has replaced him in the starting lineup.
The Trade Market Is Their Best Friend
At this point of the season, moves like adding Smith to the Herd roster could turn out to be a difference-maker. However, the trade market is where they should put their focus in their attempts to fortify the roster. It’ll likely take more than Marjon Beauchamp, who played well under former head coach Adrian Griffin last season but is now on the trade block.
Delon Wright could also be moved, as he’s underwhelmed as Lillard’s backup (which opens the door for Smith). Pat Connaughton, who is also having one of his worst seasons, has long been the subject of speculation. Yet, moving a big fish —like Portis —might be their best option.
Not only are Portis’s on-off numbers a team-low -10.7 points per 100 possessions this season, his salary is enough to net a bonafide rotation player.
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