NBA Free Agency 2017 Player Profile: Ersan Ilyasova
By Ti Windisch
Fit With Bucks
It seems obvious to say welcoming Ersan Ilyasova back to the fold would be perfect for both parties. Unfortunately, some things that seem obvious are also wrong. This might be one of those things.
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The Milwaukee Bucks need more talent–what team doesn’t — but the power forward minutes on this team are gone. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been starting there, and although he can move around to pretty much wherever he’s got Teletovic and potentially Michael Beasley there backing him up at the four.
That’s without even mentioning Jabari Parker, who will occupy one forward spot with Giannis holding down the other one, once both players are healthy again. If Jabari and Giannis average 36 minutes per game, that leaves 24 total for the two forward spots.
Beasley and Teletovic both averaged more than 12 minutes per game last season, meaning between just those two there isn’t enough playing time. Is it worth adding Ersan to see hardly any playing time on a healthy version of the Bucks?
That all depends on the price tag. If Ilyasova is obtainable for veteran minimum, he’s a good addition. If he’s getting multi-million dollar offers, he’s not a worthwhile expense for Milwaukee.
Next: Free Agent Player Profile: Nene
That’s nothing negative about Ersan Ilyasova, but power forward is the last position the Milwaukee Bucks should be worrying about during 2017 NBA free agency.