Milwaukee Bucks: 5 goals for Ersan Ilyasova in 2018-19 season

Help lead the Bucks’ defensive charge

Throughout his time in the NBA, Ilyasova has never been the most athletically gifted and as he stands in the latter half of his career, what level of athleticism he once possessed will only diminish.

Despite that, Ilyasova has long been a cerebral defender, one that prides himself on being in the right position at the right time to disrupt opposing offenses to make an impact on that end of the floor.

The defining trait he carries on that end has been his ability to draw charges at a semi-regular rate. Just last year, Ilyasova registered 26 charges and drew 45 offensive fouls between both his stints with the Hawks and the 76ers, per NBA Miner.

In a profile on his charge-taking expertise written by the New York Times’ Scott Cacciola in March of 2017, Ilyasova disclosed his methods of pouring through film and reading scouting reports to gain an advantage on the opponents around the league:

"“None of this happens by accident. Ilyasova studies game film and scouting reports. He knows which players tend to go to their left after they pump fake. And he knows which players are poor outside shooters, giving him the leeway to back off and bait them into driving. He can usually sense where they want to go. His job is to get there first. It’s all about anticipation,” said Ilyasova, who was traded to the Hawks in February by the Philadelphia 76ers.”"

It’s only one piece of the puzzle that is needed to turn around the Bucks’ defensive deficiencies, but having a savvy and positionally aware defender such as Ilyasova is already a stark contrast compared to some of the players the team sported on the roster last year.

How much of an effect that will play on the resurgence the Bucks hope to have defensively this coming year remains to be seen, but Ilyasova will be looked to do his part to make it a reality.