The Milwaukee Bucks have moved to fill their last open roster spot, signing veteran guard Isaiah Canaan to a 10-day contract.
On top of securing a trade to land Nikola Mirotic, the trade deadline saw the Milwaukee Bucks open up a roster spot that has at least been temporarily filled, as of Monday night.
In an announcement made on the team’s official website, the Bucks revealed that they have signed veteran point guard Isaiah Canaan to a 10-day contract.
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It’s tough to decipher what the Bucks’ ideal scenario may have been for their final open roster spot, but there’s no doubt that Milwaukee’s hand was forced by recent developments when it came to the Canaan signing.
George Hill left Saturday’s win over the Timberwolves after just a few minutes, having suffered what was classified by the team as a left adductor strain. Speaking to the media before Monday’s clash with the Chicago Bulls, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer revealed that said injury would leave Hill on the sidelines for “at least a few games”.
That same indication, relayed by Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, saw Budenholzer hint at the Bucks working to add point guard depth, a move that was confirmed almost immediately after his comments were shared.
Bud indicated George Hill's groin injury is such that he'll miss at least a few games. Asked him if Bucks are considering a PG for their open roster spot. “I think we’re working hard on that as we speak. I think that’s certainly an area where maybe we could use ... some minutes.”
— Matt Velazquez (@Matt_Velazquez) February 25, 2019
As illustrated from the photo of Canaan alongside assistant coach Darvin Ham, which accompanied the official news release on Twitter, the 27-year-old has already joined up with the Bucks.
Speaking to Velazquez and The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, the former Murray State Racer revealed just how quickly his deal with the Bucks had come together.
Just got out of the locker room where @eric_nehm and I talked with Isaiah Canaan. I asked him how long ago he found out he was joining the Bucks: “Probably about three hours ago now," he said.
— Matt Velazquez (@Matt_Velazquez) February 26, 2019
Strangely enough, he was in Chicago getting treatment on his left ankle, which he broke a little more than year ago, after completing a 10-day contract with the Timberwolves. https://t.co/pKBNfbDtPC
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) February 26, 2019
Canaan has had a relatively busy season to date, having only recently finished up a second 10-day stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and previously playing 19 games with the Phoenix Suns. In total, Canaan has played in 26 games this season, posting averages of 6.7 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 rebounds in 23 minutes per game.
With over 230 career games logged, Canaan is a decidedly average three-point shooter (35.1 percent on 4.5 attempts per game for his career), although he has shot the long-ball as efficiently as 37 percent in his second season.
On the whole, the thinking behind the Canaan signing is simple. It remains to be seen whether he’ll actually be tasked with picking up any minutes of note, but his presence alone offers additional cover.
Two-way player Trevon Duval also helps on that front, but Canaan’s vastly superior experience at the NBA level is better suited to a team with Milwaukee’s lofty aspirations.
Whether Canaan can earn a second 10-day, or a stay until the end of the season remains to be seen. For now, though, he’s earned the opportunity to prove his worth on the team with the NBA’s best record.
For further analysis of Canaan’s addition, check back in with us on Behind the Buck Pass on Tuesday.