Using one of their vacant roster spots, the Milwaukee Bucks signed DeAndre’ Bembry earlier this week to shore up their wing depth. With the Bucks dealing with a handful of injuries to several key rotational players, the signing was a feasible one that will help the defending champs on impact.
DeAndre’ Bembry details why he wanted to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks
During his first media appearance with the team yesterday, Bembry talked about the process of joining Milwaukee after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets to make room for all of the incoming players in the Ben Simmons trade. Unsurprisingly, the biggest reason behind Bembry’s decision was his pre-established relationship with head coach Mike Budenholzer and the coaching staff he played under with the Atlanta Hawks to start his NBA career. In his own words:
"“I would say starting with [Mike Budenholzer], [Darvin Ham], couple of the guys on the coaching staff, they were a part of my process getting drafted in Atlanta, so that played a major role. Just that relationship that I know I don’t have to question, so that’s pretty much where it started. I was kind of cool with Giannis [Antetokounmpo] for a little bit, we had a few conversations. It was just the relationships I already had with a couple of guys on the team that kind of attracted me here.”"
In addition to the familiar coaching staff, joining a contending team was also a big factor behind his decision to pick the Bucks. Bembry had been with a top-notch contender in Brooklyn to start the season, and being able to join another team competing for a title like the Bucks made it a far easier decision where he would be playing next.
"“Definitely, that’s definitely one of the things that it came down to as well, but I would say more so the relationships came first because I wanted to go somewhere where I knew I would be comfortable, but yeah, everyone wants to be in the playoffs, of course, man. And I’ve seen this opportunity where they already been to where I’m trying to go, so, yeah. Of course, that played a factor, but the relationships, it was a little bit half and half, I would say.”"
Bembry also mentioned that he had interest in joining the Bucks last season, but it did not come to fruition for whatever reason.
DeAndre’ Bembry should carve out a role for himself with the Milwaukee Bucks
With Pat Connaughton set to be sidelined for the next month or so after undergoing hand surgery earlier in the week, the Bucks will unfortunately be without their most important bench player for an extended period of time. Bembry will immediately provide some depth off the bench, giving the Bucks a versatile wing that can defend multiple positions and knock down the occasional triple.
Hopefully that previous relationship with Budenholzer and the coaching staff can help Bembry get up to speed in Milwaukee. The All-Star break will give him plenty of time to get back into the swing of things and get to know his new teammates that he will be competing alongside every night.
Milwaukee Bucks fans will get their first look at Bembry out on the court once the team returns from the All-Star break.