3 candidates to consider for the Milwaukee Bucks’ final roster spot
By Dalton Sell
After shaking up their roster at the 2022 trade deadline by adding Serge Ibaka while sending out a handful of other pieces, the Milwaukee Bucks have been busy lately. The front office bolstered the team’s depth by adding two veterans in DeAndre’ Bembry and Jevon Carter via buyouts following a rather intense pursuit of Goran Dragic, and they now have one roster spot left to utilize.
Although what remains of the buyout market is dry right now, there are several interesting players that could make sense as Milwaukee’s 15th man. The Bucks are reportedly already doing their due diligence around the league as they are reportedly hosting a workout at some point in the coming days for a specific target. Given the abundance of injuries the Bucks are currently dealing with, one more player could be a tremendous help right now, and here are three players worth considering.
Players the Milwaukee Bucks could consider for final roster spot: James Ennis III
Most fans will remember James Ennis III from a scuffle he had with Marvin Williams when the Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic met in the playoffs a few years ago. As the Bucks look to finish putting together their 2022 roster, Ennis would be a feasible target to take a flyer on.
The journeyman has been a solid 3-and-D wing throughout his seven NBA seasons, averaging 6.7 points per game while shooting 36 percent on three on 2.2 attempts for his career. Looking closer, Ennis had one of his most productive shooting seasons last year with the Magic by knocking down 43.3 percent of his triples. According to NBA.com/stats, a significant chunk of that damage came on “wide-open” attempts, as the veteran wing shot 29-of-60 (48.3 percent) when given at least six or more feet of space. Ennis would get his fair share of open looks with the Bucks, as shooters tend to, and they could use another strong perimeter shooter.
Defensively, Ennis would be another versatile player for head coach Mike Budenholzer to utilize in various lineups. Standing at 6-foot-6, Ennis could defend opposing wings to alleviate pressure off of Milwaukee’s other top defenders. Of course, the Bucks are still looking for someone to take on the “P.J. Tucker role” from last season, as they have tried with Semi Ojeleye and Wesley Matthews, but it has not exactly panned out. Although Ennis is not the player Tucker is defensively, the wing could be a solid veteran to add for a playoff push when the team has to go against players such as Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler, or Jayson Tatum.
Ennis has been making the rounds this season via 10-day contracts, having logged stints with the Brooklyn Nets, LA Clippers, and Denver Nuggets. If the Bucks want to target another wing as they await Pat Connaughton’s return from surgery, they would be wise to kick the tires on bringing in a veteran like Ennis to give him his fourth NBA team this season.