For much of the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2019-20 season, Ersan Ilyasova was a steadying presence off the bench, but concerning signs started to show before the season suspension.
Throughout his many years and three separate stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, Ersan Ilyasova has stood as something of a Zelig-like figure throughout the Bucks’ history during the 21st century.
While Ilyasova’s third stint with the Bucks has seen him take on a far less prominent role than he had enjoyed in past years and regimes, it’s certainly been the most rewarding by a mile, considering the collective success the Bucks have had over these last two years.
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After all, it’s the steadying presence that Ilyasova provides both on the court and in the locker room that drove Ilyasova’s surprising return back to Milwaukee two Julys ago and not long into Mike Budenholzer’s reign as the team’s head coach.
That level-headedness, dependability and floor spacing that have each been trademarks of Ilyasova’s journeyed NBA career have helped to cement the Bucks’ ethos and system under Budenholzer and around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and so on.
But before the season was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic, Ilyasova’s hold as Antetokounmpo’s backup had come under fire, especially in light of the addition of fellow veteran Marvin Williams shortly after the trade deadline.
So without further ado, let’s reacquaint ourselves with what Ersan Ilyasova accomplished to this point in the Bucks’ 2019-20 season and where the questions remain over his campaign moving forward.