Milwaukee Bucks: Thoughts on waiving big man Johnny O’Bryant

MILWAUKEE, WI- JANUARY 4 (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI- JANUARY 4 (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

The Milwaukee Bucks started cutting down on their roster ahead of the 2021-22 regular season with the release of big man Johnny O’Bryant.

The team made the announcement on social media, and some fans were certainly torn on the move. O’Bryant was never a star, but it was great to see him get a second chance with the team that drafted him all the way back in 2014. Things did not work out back then, and unfortunately, he suffered the same fate this time around. Following Milwaukee’s first three preseason games, the writing was already on the wall that O’Bryant would soon be out the door, considering his brief playing time and production.

During his two appearances, the big man totaled eight points and three rebounds in 21 minutes. O’Bryant did not even see a minute of playing time in the team’s most recent preseason game as the typical starters returned against the OKC Thunder, which looked like the final nail in the coffin for him. Ultimately, the team decided to part ways with the 28-year-old the following days, ending any hope that O’Bryant could resurrect his NBA career in Milwaukee. Very unfortunate.

Where will the Milwaukee Bucks go after waiving big man Johnny O’Bryant?

The Bucks brought in Johnny O’Bryant to shore up their depth in the frontcourt. With Brook Lopez getting some occasional rest and Bobby Portis deal with a nagging hamstring issue, the team did not want to push either to play hefty minutes. O’Bryant was among those that would see minutes to try and make the cut as the team’s third-string center behind those two household names.

One factor that likely played into the decision to let go of O’Bryant was the emergence of rookie Sandro Mamukelashvili. Across three preseason games, the second round pick has played most of the minutes at the center position with 26.4 per game. He has turned some heads in the process by averaging 12 points on .600/.429/.375 shooting splits, 6.7 rebounds, and two assists. It seems like Mamukelashvili has cemented his place as the team’s third big man. Already being locked up on a two-way deal, it makes sense from all standpoints.

Despite how badly everyone wanted to see O’Bryant make his way back onto the regular season roster, it always seemed like an uphill battle for him. Ultimately, that is exactly what it became, and it just did not work out. Time will tell what comes next for O’Bryant, and it will be interesting to see if another team takes a flyer on him, as the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs are both on the record also showing some interest in him. He would be a quality backup big man to provide some size wherever he goes.

O’Bryant’s time with the Bucks was short, but it was great to see a familiar face back on the floor after a departure from the NBA over the past several years. Best of luck to O’Bryant wherever he goes next in his career.

Elsewhere, the Bucks have been busy as they signed Jemerrio Jones to a training camp deal on Monday morning.