Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 109-102 win over Dallas Mavericks
By Ben Sewell
Keeping track of Bolomboy and GP II
Anyone keeping a stopwatch on Gary Payton II and Joel Bolomboy’s time with the Milwaukee Bucks? For what feels like an eternity, the two have been a staple of the Bucks’ bench, with the occasional random start for Payton (we’ll get to that in a second). Once again, both generally found themselves rooted to the bench on Friday night as Kidd opted for a streamlined eight-man rotation (save for the random five minute start for Payton).
What Kidd and the coaching staff are planning to do with the two is baffling as surely they are very close to reaching the 45 day limit enforced on NBA two-way players, and the 90 day limit enforced on the team overall. After which, neither will be allowed to be with the team in training or on game day and the Bucks will be required to either sign them to NBA deals or permanently send them back to the G League.
For Joel Bolomboy, this is a real concern as with the Bucks’ center depth currently consists of just two players, and they could really use the support of an extra big. At this stage, Bolomboy is just being wasted on the bench, relegated to a glorified high five dispenser. If Henson or Maker is to injure themselves in the near future, they will be forced into a very difficult dilemma and if Bolomboy has used up his time with the team, they may be forced into a very tight spot.
As far as Payton is concerned, the situation becomes even more baffling. Why start him, to then take him off after five minutes, never to be seen again outside of 30 seconds to start the second half? If Kidd is wanting to stagger his rotation, surely starting Brogdon and adjusting his minutes accordingly would be far more beneficial to the rotation. As it was, Payton looked like a fish out of water on Friday night, offering very little on either end of the floor, hence his short stay on the court.
In theory, the two-way contract system works very well as a ways to add depth to the squad and perhaps unearth the next Hassan Whiteside. But Milwaukee and Jason Kidd have gotten their system completely wrong this season. They have used up well over half of the allotted days allowed already and all they have to show for it is a handful of games played during garbage time, mixed with an assortment of starts and semi-competitive basketball.
Neither Payton or Bolomboy at this stage are set to figure in Milwaukee’s plans following the regular season. Either use them as a means to provide rest for the previously mentioned overworked stars for the team, or send them back to the G League where surely minutes played and growing confidence can only be a good thing heading toward the New Year.
Next: Win In 6 Podcast #166: Bucks at the quarter season mark
The Bucks will be back in action on Saturday as the Utah Jazz visit the Bradley Center for a 7.30pm tip. As usual, the game will be televised locally on Fox Sports Wisconsin.