Two Current and Two Former Raptors Who Might Be On The Bucks Radar
With NBA free agency starting on Friday, teams are already angling to improve and reshape their rosters. One thing that continues to be overlooked by many NBA pundits and Bucks fans themselves is that this really is a new regime coming in. GM Jon Horst spoke to that last week,
“We’re not trying to build a roster like we have in the past. He’s a different coach. We’re going to have a different system.”
The Milwaukee Bucks and new Coach Adrian Griffin might also want to bring in some of his guys. There are some players available with Raptor connections who Griffin has worked with in the past few seasons.
“The devil you do know is better than the devil you don’t” ~ Some Old Timey Advice
The Bucks are starting to embark on what feels like a fresh start after a stale first round playoff loss to Miami. The NBA season is long; the Bucks were ‘regular season champs’. Now, with new coaches and some new players the team will look to improve upon that first round playoff exit.
Related: NBA Draft is settled
With that new collection of players, draft picks included, Milwaukee will need some new and current free agents.
#1- Jakob Poeltl
Bucks fans have been clamoring on social media and many other sites (including this one) for the return of Brook Lopez. Splash mountain- a true fan favorite.
But for the team Poeltl might be just as good of a replacement in coach Adrian Griffin’s system. And he is a pretty accomplished player himself. Poeltl averaged over nine rebounds per game last season. He also averaged 12 points per game.
What is impressive about Poeltl’s game is his shooting percentage. In his career he has shot 62.8% from the field. Wow! Also in what might be a major change of pace for the team he did not attempt a single three point shoot.
#2-Will Barton
Good old Will Barton could eventually find his way to Milwaukee. A major subject of NBA sign and trade speculation, Barton could be a nice player for the Bucks. At 32 years old, the NBA veteran could give the team a presence it is used to. Barton could also be that locker room guy Griffin wants.
Barton is a career 6/2/2 player.
Bonus and Probably Wishful Thinking- Fred VanVleet
VanVleet is exactly what the Bucks need, a high usage guard who can shoot the lights out of the gym. But if concerns abound about how the team could re-sign Khris Middleton or Brook Lopez, bringing in VanVleet could be tough.
The 29 year old VanVleet averaged 19 points per game last season. He shot 34% from three last season. He is a career 90% free throw shooter.
#3- Norman Powell (2020-2021) season
Adrian Griffin was a prominent assistant on that Raptor’s 2020-2021 staff and would have worked closely with Powell.
Powell averaged 19 points per game last season, well above his career average. The 30 yr-old is also a good shooter from the field, like Poeltl (46%).
Powell is currently under contract with the LA Clippers. If he does not make it to Milwaukee, it will probably be because of the money.
#4- Serge Ibaka (Really?)
The current NBA free agent and former Buck had a pretty pronounced fallout with ex-head coach Mike Budenholzer about playing time.
In that same season Griffin would have also worked closely with Serge Ibaka. The former Buck is currently available. Many fans, followers, and even those close with the team might be open to “getting back together.”
What is “Raptor” and “Nick Nurse” Basketball?
The incoming style of basketball will more than likely focus on possessions and getting good shots. With that comes a renewed emphasis on not turning the basketball over
Toronto was 1st in the NBA in team turnovers last season. They simply didn’t turn the ball over. (12.0 per game) If you were going to beat them, you had to beat them; they didn’t beat themselves.
The Bucks were 23rd in the NBA in team turnovers.
Milwaukee has had some high turnover games in Orlando. But they have been able to keep down that number in wins vs Brooklyn and in the close 76er’s loss. Winning the “turnover battle” in the NBA is also a very real thing. Milwaukee, in moving forward, will try to do that to win.
Could any of these new players end up on the Bucks roster? Keep an eye here for the latest up-to-date Bucks news and signings.
Follow me on Twitter at @authorrudylb and check out my other writings at www.rudylb.com. Follow us at @WiSportsHeroics! For all things Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
