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Milwaukee Bucks: Grades for Pat Connaughton’s two-year, partially guaranteed deal

By Jordan Treske

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 7: Pat Connaughton #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers gets introduced before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 7, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 7: Pat Connaughton #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers gets introduced before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 7, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – MARCH 20: (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – MARCH 20: (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Final thoughts and overall grade

Considering the point we’ve come to in free agency and the limited resources available to teams around the league, scouring the market for diamonds in the rough and hitting on lasting, high value additions is much easier said than done.

In Connaughton, the Bucks are obviously hopeful that what he proved in his first extensive opportunity last year with the Blazers can serve as the basis of the role he’ll be asked to fill now that he’s reportedly Milwaukee bound.

From that standpoint, it’s certainly deserving to say it’s an encouraging start while acknowledging that Connaughton will have to iron out some of the consistency issues that he experienced at times last season.

Where the hope lies, as it relates to the latter, that he can further break through and mold his game to another level are the high character traits and insatiable drive he possesses in continuing to hone his craft.

For example, take this illuminating quote from Connaughton’s former teammate and current Brooklyn Nets big man Ed Davis from earlier this year regarding the work the Fighting Irish alum put in to earn his role with the Blazers, which was transcribed by Doug Hastings over at the Arlington Advocate:

"“He worked hard this summer and got the opportunity and he’s been taking advantage of it,” said Davis, an eight-year veteran that played at North Carolina. “A lot of young guys don’t know how difficult an NBA schedule is, learning the defensive schemes and cracking the rotation. Coming from college when you’re playing 35 minutes a game and in high school you’re playing every minute, [the NBA] is humbling and some guys keep working and make it through and some guys get frustrated and try to do things their own way and they’re out of the league. Pat was one of those that kept working and was always positive. Even when he was getting 10 or 15 DNPs (did not play) in a row, he was still the same guy. I’m happy for him.”"

Connaughton isn’t the first addition the Bucks have made this offseason that holds those particular attributes and he might not be the last, depending on if the Bucks aren’t ready to sit on the sidelines until the start of training camp.

Nonetheless, the motivation and the grind Connaughton put himself through to earn his shot has gotten him this far and it’s hard to imagine that subsiding now in his impending move to Milwaukee.

Next. New Milwaukee Bucks arena officially named Fiserv Forum. dark

What happens beyond that is the key, and the Bucks are betting on the skill-set that Connaughton has begun to tap into, which may prove to be a home run in due time.

Final Grade: B-

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