With the 2022 NBA Playoffs right around the corner, the Milwaukee Bucks are looking to put the finishing touches on their roster before defending their title.
Rumors surfaced weeks ago that the defending champions were eyeing Tyreke Evans to fill one of their vacant roster spots, having hosted him for a workout recently. Though nothing immediately followed that workout, the Bucks are reportedly ready to get yet another look at the 32-year-old, as The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on Monday night that Evans plans to join Milwaukee’s G-League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd. The Bucks will evaluate Evans’ performance with the Herd and consider bringing him aboard with one of their roster spots.
The entire Evans situation has been a fascinating one to follow from the beginning, and it will be interesting to see how things transpire. As the Bucks eye the former Rookie of the Year following his three-year ban from the association, here are the pros and the cons of bringing Evans aboard down the stretch and whether or not the defending champions should ultimately sign him.
The cons of the Milwaukee Bucks eyeing Tyreke Evans
The cons will be first here because the list is incredibly finite. After all, with 13 games left to play before the postseason and the Bucks simply looking to bolster their depth, very little harm could be done by bringing in anyone. Evans happens to be the name that Milwaukee is taking a look at, and this news should not cause a negative uproar by any stretch of the imagination.
One of the few reasons for skepticism might be that Evans has not played in the association since the 2018-19 season. What kind of shape Evans is in or how much he has left in the tank following this three-year ban is up in the air, which could make some hesitant to bring him aboard. However, that is precisely why the Bucks will observe him in the G-League before potentially signing him to a deal. Though G-League success does not guarantee Evans would be a quality contributor back in the NBA, it would provide some clarity as to his playing shape at this point in time.
Some would argue that signing a veteran like Evans would take time away from pieces already on the roster like Jordan Nwora or Lindell Wigginton. Both players have shown untapped potential in their brief playing time this season, and with several rotational players currently sidelined due to injuries, this could be viewed as an opportunity for them to step up. Perhaps that would give the Bucks a chance to evaluate both Nwora and Wigginton for the future rather than adding a veteran that has not played professionally in three years.
All in all, the cons list here is short. This is not a trade where the Bucks would have to give up some assets or a signing where they would be required to waive another player. They have an open spot on the roster, and Evans is undoubtedly worth considering.