Milwaukee Bucks: Grades for Torrey Craig’s one-year minimum deal
By Dalton Sell
Where does Torrey Craig fit with the Milwaukee Bucks?
Craig fills out a previously depleted small forward depth for the Bucks alongside Khris Middleton, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and rookie Jordan Nwora.
Adding some help on the wing quickly became one of the most prominent needs for the Bucks this offseason, with a good handful of their depth entering the free agent pool. This signing, along with the acquisition of Bryn Forbes and a hefty three-year contract extension for Pat Connaughton, unquestionably helped bring forth some satisfaction.
What separates Craig from anyone else in this slim rotation is his elite ability to defend multiple positions at an elite level. At 6’7″, 221 lbs, Craig is a big, rangy presence on the wing and an outstanding defender, giving the Bucks another lethal weapon to throw at opposing defenses, further bolstering the league’s best defensive team from last season. Speaking on the fit once more, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said it best:
"“An important fit for the Bucks, especially because of the way Craig can guard all over the floor. With Denver, Michael Malone used Craig to defend many of the elite wings in the Western Conference.”"
That defensive approach will likely make Craig the first small forward off the bench for Mike Budenholzer, playing only behind Middleton in the rotation. Craig will be a snug fit as a rotational player, but what will his role be with the Bucks?