Grading the interesting DeAndre’ Bembry signing for the Milwaukee Bucks

Looking at DeAndre’ Bembry’s role with the Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks will not rely heavily on Bembry, especially when they get healthier, but he has a chance to be a meaningful contributor off the bench.

Defensively, Bembry will bring more versatility for coach Budenholzer to utilize in various lineups. Standing at 6-foot-5 with an intriguing 6-foot-9 wingspan, Bembry can be utilized as a reputable wing defender for the Bucks, taking on top-tier assignments nightly. Without two robust second unit defenders in Connaughton and Matthews, Bembry’s defense will be crucial for the time being as he could help fill the void. Bembry’s versatility will make him an easy fit alongside Milwaukee’s reputable defenders in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, which will make them even stronger on that side of the ball.

Offensively, Bembry will not bring much to the table as he has averaged just 6.1 points per game in his six-year career. However, one interesting part of Bembry’s game that will be worth watching is his 3-point shooting, as it could go either way. Prior to this season, the swingman was knocking down just 28.1 percent of his 3-pointers on 1.5 attempts per game. This year, that percentage has catapulted up to 41.7, although he attempted just 0.8 triples on average. If the swingman can pick up where he left off and be an efficient outside shooter, it will help him stay out on the floor. With Antetokounmpo on the court, the looks are bound to be there, but it is up to Bembry to capitalize.

Essentially, the Bucks will utilize Bembry the same way they used P.J. Tucker when he was brought aboard last season. Though Bembry is not on the same level as Tucker, he is a similar archetype as he can match up against a handful of different positions and is capable of spacing the floor on the offensive end. Matthews had been playing that role this season, but with him out of the lineup for who knows how long, Bembry must fill in for the time being.