What Javin DeLaurier brings to the table for shorthanded Milwaukee Bucks

After days of anticipation, the Milwaukee Bucks finally utilized their hardship exception to sign a player amidst their ongoing roster struggles.

As first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Bucks have decided to stay in-house and sign Javin DeLaurier of the Wisconsin Herd to a 10-day deal. The Herd have been getting picked apart recently as several players have received NBA call-ups over the past few days, and they will be down yet another key contributor in DeLaurier. It makes sense that the Bucks would call him up specifically, considering he did spend the preseason in Milwaukee, meaning he already knows the players and staff to some degree. He was also just right up the road in Oshkosh. With that said, let us take a look at why the Bucks made this move and what the big man will provide at the highest level as they navigate through these roster issues.

What Javin DeLaurier brings to the table for shorthanded Milwaukee Bucks

First and foremost, DeLaurier brings much-needed size into the fold for the Bucks. The champs have been without a significant portion of their frontcourt recently with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and of course, Brook Lopez all missing time due to various injuries or illnesses. With DeMarcus Cousins standing as the lone big man on the roster, adding a 6-foot-10 forward was not a bad idea to give the team depth and alleviate pressure off Cousins. At the minimum, he will be good insurance to have with no timetable given for Milwaukee’s typical cache of big men to return.

DeLaurier was solid during his 12 game stint with the Herd this season by averaging 7.8 points and 6.8 rebounds in 16.6 minutes per game. Though he did not do much damage offensively, he was efficient when he did as he shot 60 percent from the field and an eye-catching 40 percent on 3-point attempts, although he only shot 10 times. Still, perhaps he could come in and give the Bucks another stretch-big to keep opposing defenses guessing. The Bucks will likely not use the 23-year-old as a key cog in the rotation, but he will be useful when Cousins needs a breather and the team cannot afford to go entirely small with the lineup out on the floor.

With good size, rebounding, and interior defense, DeLaurier should fit right in with the Bucks. As they await the return of several sizeable pieces in the frontcourt, the Herd call-up should get his shot to showcase what he brings to the table. Following a brief preseason stint, DeLaurier is back in Milwaukee, and it will be fascinating to see what he can do this time around with the team in a position where they could genuinely use him. Perhaps DeLaurier will get some game action in the Bucks’ Christmas Day game against the Boston Celtics tomorrow.

It is also always good to see someone somewhat within the organization get promoted. DeLaurier joins a long list of Herd players to receive an NBA opportunity recently, and it will be interesting to see how they all do for their respective teams.

Welcome to Milwaukee, Javin!