Milwaukee Bucks: 3 reasons why D.J. Wilson’s best is yet to come

The team may need him soon

Part of the reason D.J. Wilson has not played much over the past couple of seasons is the Milwaukee Bucks’ reliance on more experienced players. Last season it was Ersan Ilyasova who primarily played the backup power forward position behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and then Nikola Mirotic when he came aboard.

This season, Ersan Ilyasova once again played the position, but the team brought seasoned veteran Marvin Williams aboard through the buyout market to bolster the position. With these two at the position, Wilson was likely not to see any more meaningful minutes this season, but the team may face a problem soon when the season ends.

After this season has officially concluded, Marvin Williams will become a free agent, and the Bucks will have to decide if they want to retain Ersan Ilyasova and his $7 million contract for next season.
If the team loses one or both of these players, it would be a significant blow but would give Wilson that chance to prove himself. Losing both Williams and Ilyasova remains unlikely, but retaining both is too, meaning Wilson’s time could soon be approaching.

Wilson will be under contract for next season and be eligible for a qualifying offer the following year, meaning that there is still time for him to prove himself, but the clock is ticking. Next season could finally be the year he gets a steady chance to prove his capabilities of being a consistent NBA player with a meaningful role depending on the moves Milwaukee makes.