In a roster move Wednesday afternoon, the Bucks have assigned rookies Jordan Nwora and Sam Merrill to the G-League. Mamadi Diakite, who has not appeared in a game all season, was transferred to the Lakeland Magic of the G-League.
Jordan Nwora ➡️ Salt Lake City Stars
Sam Merrill ➡️ Memphis Hustle
Mamadi Diakite ➡️ Lakeland Magic#FearTheDeerhttps://t.co/6ZXREJjhKI— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) February 3, 2021
A rookie from Lousiville, Nwora has played in 10 games for the Bucks this season. He averages 5.1 points per game, 1.5 rebounds, 45% from the floor and 50% from three point range.
Merrill, a 2020 second-round pick from Utah State, appeared in 9 games for Milwaukee. He averaged just 1.6 points per game, while shooting 40% from the field and 50% from three point range.
Both of these rookies averaged 7.1 minutes combined, so this move does not alter much in terms of Milwaukee’s game plan.
Diakite, on the other hand, has not played for the Bucks all season, and will now be playing his ball in Lakeland, Florida for the Orlando Magic G-League affiliate.
What This Means
This move can mean many things. First, it could mean that Coach Budenholzer has solidified his rotation for now, leaving less minutes for Nwora and Merrill. Diakite would continue to collect DNP’s, anyway, so this move does not change much.
Secondly, this could mean that the Bucks may be in the market for a deadline move, potentially to acquire more shooting or interior play. Names like JJ Redick, PJ Tucker, and Wayne Ellington have surfaced, so do not count out any movement when the deadline approaches.
Third, the Bucks could be doing this to simply see what their rookies can do with real playing time. All assigned to different team for the new G-League bubble, Bucks fans will be able to watch across the board if these pieces can be relied on for future success. In the end, it is a great situation for development. With the Bucks assigning these rookies now at the 20 game mark, there is now a chance to see real progression as the bubble moves on.
Next Up:
The Bucks host the Pacers tonight at 7:00 p.m. E.T. on ESPN. Check out our preview here!
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