Now that the NBA Finals are over, the entire league has turned their attention to preparing for the next season. For the Milwaukee Bucks, these preparations started far earlier than they had hoped. Despite being knocked out of the playoffs nearly a month ago, though, general manager Jon Horst had not addressed the media. That is, until today. Here is everything Bucks fans need to know from his media session.
Khris Middleton Is Healing Just Fine
Many NBA fans and analysts believe that had Khris Middleton been healthy, the Milwaukee Bucks would have been the team representing the Eastern Conference in the Finals. As it was, though, Middleton sprained his MCL against the Chicago Bulls and could not play at all in the Boston series.
Jon Horst was asked about Middleton’s recovery, and assured fans that he is healing well. Actually, he has been doing his rehab right at home in Milwaukee.
Jon Horst gives an update on Khris Middleton: pic.twitter.com/ha8pA1D4FB
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) June 17, 2022
The Bucks Are Looking to Trade the 24 Overall Pick
The Milwaukee Bucks are not known for drafting very well in the first round. In fact, aside from Giannis Antetokounmpo, none of their last 10 first round picks remain on their roster. Few them played more than a season or two worth of games for the Bucks.
- Jimmer Ferdette (2011): Games played with Milwaukee- 0 (traded to the Sacramento Kings for Beno Udrih)
- John Henson (2012): Games played with Milwaukee- 405 (7.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (2013): Games played with Milwaukee- 656 (franchise’s all-time scorer)
- Jabari Parker (2014): Games played with Milwaukee: 183 (15.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game)
- Rashad Vaughn (2015): Games played with Milwaukee: 133 (no longer in the NBA)
- Thon Maker (2016): Games played with Milwaukee: 166 (did not play in the NBA last season)
- D.J. Wilson (2017): Games played with Milwaukee: 119 (part of the trade for P.J. Tucker)
- Donte DiVincenzo (2019): Games played with Milwaukee: 176 (traded for Serge Ibaka)
- Kevin Porter Jr. (2019): Games played with Milwaukee: 0 (traded to the Detroit Pistons for Jon Leuer)
- R.J. Hampton (2020): Games played with Milwaukee: 0 (traded to the Denver Nuggets as part of the deal that brought Jrue Holiday to Milwaukee from New Orleans)
With a championship-caliber roster already, the Bucks are in need of players that can contribute right away. Using the 24th pick may help them do that.
Wes Matthew Will Probably Return to the Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks signed Wes Matthews midway through the 2021-22 season. The veteran shooting guard has stated that he has no interest in waiting until after the season starts to sign a deal. Milwaukee apparently wants him back as Horst stated that he will likely be back for the 2022-23 season. Last year, Matthews averaged 5.1 points and 1.9 rebounds per game while shooting 40/34/79 from the field.
The Bucks Want to Bring Back Jevon Carter
One of the biggest frustrations for Bucks fans during the playoffs was that Jevon Carter did not get enough playing time. The backup point guard impressed with his steady defense and play-making ability. After the Bucks signed him, Carter averaged 5.6 points on 50/55/100 shooting. Obviously, he achieved those numbers in very little playing time (17.6 minutes per game), but is a much better backup option than George Hill.
Brook Lopez Will Not Be Traded
Brook Lopez is entering the final year of the contract he signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018. He missed most of last season as he recovered from back surgery. Despite his hefty contract this year, the Bucks will not be looking to trade him.
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