3 players the Milwaukee Bucks should target with hardship exception

The Milwaukee Bucks could target Ersan Ilyasova with their hardship exception

It seems like Ersan Ilyasova is destined to end up back in Milwaukee one way or another. After all, the veteran has already had three other stints with the Bucks, and with the team struggling to get able bodies in the frontcourt, why not look to make it a fourth? Even if it is just for a short time, the veteran could be useful for the Bucks.

In addition to simply just being available, Ilyasova would help the Bucks by bringing floor spacing into the fold. The 13-year NBA veteran has been an efficient outside shooter since coming into the league, knocking down 36.7 percent of his triples on 2.9 attempts per game. Given how much they have emphasized 3-point shooting throughout the Mike Budenholzer era, someone like Ilyasova is a natural fit. The Bucks could always use more perimeter shooters.

Ilyasova is also known for laying it all out on the line every play. The veteran has broken his nose on numerous occasions throughout his career because he is known for taking charges, willingly sacrificing himself at any given moment. Toughness like that would be a welcoming boost for the Bucks. They would also welcome his rebounding with their top two rebounders in Antetokounmpo and Portis both sidelined. Ilyasova has averaged 5.6 boards per game over his career, and although he is not the rebounder he once was, he could still provide a helping hand.

All in all, bringing back Ilyasova would be a low-risk move to give the Bucks some much-needed assistance in the frontcourt. At the end of the day, who would not want to see Ilyasova back with the Bucks for another go-round?

Time will tell if the Bucks ultimately utilize their hardship exception, but any of these three would be solid choices. Stay tuned for any breaking updates and whether the Bucks decide to use this exception in the coming days.