Miles Plumlee
2015-16 Key Stats: 5.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.8 bpg
2015-16 Cap Hit:$2.1 million
With the Buck’ offseason signings of centers Greg Monroe and John Henson (extension), the role of reserve center Miles Plumlee coming into the season seemed unclear.
Being thrown in as an addition to the Brandon Knight/Michael Carter-Williams trade, Plumlee seemed destined to wallow on the bench, playing only 10 minutes per game with the Bucks after the All-Star break in 2014-2015. Last season, Plumlee started the year playing 9.5 minutes per game, mostly in mop-up duty and in relief of John Henson, who missed 25 games with various injuries.
However, after the All-Star break, Coach Kidd turned to Plumlee, as the Duke product started 11 of the Bucks final 28 games, also seeing his minutes rise to 19.9 per game. Perhaps not coincidentally, the Bucks were 7-7 in games Plumlee started, compared to their overall record of 33-49.
In contrast to the largely unathletic Greg Monroe, whose game revolves around low-block touches and back-to-the-basket post ups, Plumlee operates as an explosive rim-runner and finisher, pairing nicely in the pick and roll with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Plumlee became a fan favorite due to his pure activity, hustle in contesting shots, and rebounding with an intensity that was seemingly sometimes lacking with Monroe.
As detailed recently, the Bucks have a desire to bring Plumlee back, extending a qualifying offer that allows them to match any offer he would receive from another team. Plumlee’s improved play has not gone unnoticed around the league, and he is likely to receive a substantial offer under the new salary cap structure.
Miles, although only four seasons into his NBA career, is already 27 years old, so there may not be much room for improvement, and with three men capable of playing minutes at center in Henson, Monroe, and the newly drafted Thon Maker under contract, it appears as if there may be another logjam down low.
However, reports detail an increased desire on the part of the front office to move Monroe, and with questions about almost every facet of Maker’s career (enough about his age!), signing Plumlee becomes if not a necessity, certainly a goal, as long as the front office doesn’t drastically overpay.
Final Verdict: Re-sign
Next: Steve Novak