Milwaukee Bucks: Pros and cons of potential Damyean Dotson signing

Pros

The first thing to note on the positive side of the ledger when it comes to Dotson is that there’s a real chance he could fill a role of real need for the Bucks in the offseason.

With Wesley Matthews holding a player option, Sterling Brown set for restricted free agency, and Kyle Korver and Pat Connaughton facing unrestricted free agency, there’s a possibility that the Bucks’ current wing depth could be largely cleared out in the months ahead.

If that does prove to be the case, a player such as Dotson would make for not just an obvious target, but perhaps even something of a priority.

The Bucks may be left to work with little more than veteran minimum contract offers as they were already staring the luxury tax in the face before the possibility of a notable drop in the salary cap even factored into their plans. Dotson could end up receiving slightly more lucrative offers than that, but to begin with it does seem like he’ll certainly fall in Milwaukee’s price range.

As a player, Dotson fits the 3-and D mold that would have an obvious appeal for the Bucks. Dotson’s shot just over 36 percent from deep in both of the past two seasons, has consistently improved the Knicks’ defense (over two points better per 100 possessions with him on the floor this season), and is known for being a strong rebounder for a guard.

Dotson is the kind of prototypical reclamation project that has frequently led to positive results for Mike Budenholzer and his coaching staff, who’ve built up a formidable reputation for developing wings, in particular.

Based on comments made by Dotson’s former coach David Fizdale to Marc Berman, there’s reason to believe that he has the work ethic that could reap rewards from that kind of development approach too.

"“He’s got a great work ethic, leadership qualities and toughness. He’s extremely coachable and dedicated teammate. Totally committed to the culture with a consistently good attitude regardless of his minutes.”"

If Dotson was to land with a team and a coaching staff that’s been much more competent than what he’s been used to with the Knicks, there’s a real chance that some untapped potential could yet be unlocked in his game.