The Milwaukee Bucks are certainly setting their priorities straight by strengthening those chances of back-to-back basketball supremacy. Yet, with the ongoing unavailability of Brook Lopez due to his back surgery recovery, their presence under the glass continues to be a point of concern moving ahead.
In connection to this, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype detailed that the Bucks are exploring adding a center reinforcement via trade situations or through buyout market signing.
The Bucks are also looking to add a backup center either via a trade or by signing a center in the buyout market, league sources told HoopsHype.
With the unexpected cutting of ties with DeMarcus Cousins last month, it seems like Milwaukee is now finding itself in urgent need to lessen the hefty loads of reigning Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and fan-favorite Bobby Portis, as these two have been frequently filling their holes in the frontcourt slate since the start of this season upon Lopez’s absence.
Meanwhile, there is also curiosity looming around the league’s executive circle about general manager Jon Horst finding a defensive-minded wing, a replication of what he nailed with PJ Tucker in the franchise’s last title campaign.
There’s also a curiosity if Milwaukee will also look to replace PJ Tucker with a potential wing defender, some rival executives wonder.
Tucker, 36, after leaving the team that he has won his maiden championship as a pro in 2021, is enjoying perhaps his best offensive season as a cager donning the Miami Heat jersey despite being known as more of a defensive pest throughout his journeyman career, averaging his highest-scoring statistics (8.7) since with the 2013-2014 Phoenix Suns (9.4) while shooting a league-best 46.8 percent from the three-point land.
As such, a hard-nosed stopper from the perimeter is also a shoe to fill for the defending champs upon Tucker’s departure – in preparation for an all-out war against fellow Eastern Conference giants who have uncanny overwhelming wings in the likes of Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine. Moreover, a small-ball lineup featuring Antetokounmpo at the five will be a commanding scheme for demands of flexibility in the postseason.
With plenty of assets like Donte DiVincenzo, Jordan Nwora, and several second-rounders on their side, the Bucks’ position before the Feb. 10 deadline ends is noteworthy enough to watch. Currently fifth in their conference and just 1.5 games away from the first seed, they are only yet to reveal their truest form that is undeniably a force to reckon with.
