Ersan Ilyasova
Now in his ninth season with the Bucks, Milwaukee’s fans have been through the full gamut of the Ersan Ilyasova experience.
This season may still end up as something of a microcosm of Ilyasova’s overall tenure, but through to the All-Star break his play has certainly rounded out on the positive side of the ledger.
The Bucks have certainly assisted Ilyasova this season, by way of their offseason additions last summer. With Ilyasova less frequently tasked with playing the 5 and defending true centers, he has been much more impactful on both ends of the floor at his more natural power forward position.
Ilyasova is also in the midst of a stellar shooting season, currently boasting splits of .472/.373/.836, and that has helped him to hold off his competition for minutes up until this point.
Ilyasova’s play did look to be dropping off a little before the break, so the hope will be that the chance to get some rest will see him again in top form upon the Bucks’ return to action. With the addition of Marvin Williams, if Ersan does slip, he’ll find himself under real pressure for his spot in the rotation.
Grade: B