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

Providing a presence on the glass

The Bucks historically struggled rebounding the ball on both ends of the floor under Jason Kidd‘s three-and-a-half year coaching reign.

Of course, the Bucks never had a bruising, physically imposing center to combat their rebounding and physicality deficiencies, but it was an issue that went beyond the personnel they had throughout that span. Now Ilyasova isn’t built in that fashion, but he’s consistently been an above average rebounder throughout his 11-year career.

Hearkening back to his knack for routinely being positioned in the right spot, the instincts Ilyasova possesses when cleaning the glass have had a clear influence along his many stops, whether that’s being able to provide tip-ins near or at the basket or hauling down loose balls on the defensive end.

The bigger question regarding Ilyasova’s rebounding services may revolve around his ability to fend off opposing big men in order to clear out space for others to snare down rebounding opportunities, especially when he sees minutes at the 5-spot (more on that in a moment).

Ultimately, the Bucks may not experience the rebounding reinvention that many fans hope to see this season and Budenholzer-led teams historically haven’t fared all that much better in that regard either. Nonetheless, Ilyasova will be among those who aim to make the Bucks at least more respectable in that area.