Assessing Milwaukee Bucks’ updated depth chart with Luca Vildoza

The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly expected to fill their final roster spot by signing Luca Vildoza, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday night.

As Wojnarowski noted, Vildoza is expected to be active for the postseason after he has recovered from a recent foot procedure. Although the signing does not drastically alter Milwaukee’s rotation, it does bring aboard another yet new player for coach Mike Budenholzer to integrate into the mix. With that said, let us break down the team’s updated rotation with Vildoza included.

Looking at the Milwaukee Bucks’ updated depth chart with Luca Vildoza

• Point Guard: Jrue Holiday – George Hill – Jevon Carter – Lindell Wigginton (Two-Way)
• Shooting Guard: Wesley Matthews – Pat Connaughton – Grayson Allen – Luca Vildoza
• Small Forward: Khris Middleton – Jordan Nwora – Thanasis Antetokounmpo
• Power Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo – Serge Ibaka
• Center: Brook Lopez – Bobby Portis – Sandro Mamukelashvili (Two-Way)
• Out For Season: DeAndre’ Bembry

Milwaukee’s backcourt depth is one of their noticeable strengths, and they just added some depth with the signing of Vildoza. Though Vildoza is a combo guard and play both the point and shooting guard positions, he will be slotted as a two-guard for now. The 6-foot-3 guard will find himself playing behind the household trio of Matthews, Connaughton, or Allen, as it would be challenging for him to carve out a role this late in the regular season. Rarely does the 15th man on the roster get much burn, particularly when he is coming aboard with just four regular season games to play until the postseason.

While he may not play a prominent role immediately upon arrival in Milwaukee, Vildoza has some potential written all over him. Before this news broke, the 26-year-old had spent the last several years playing for Saski Baskonia in the Liga ACB league, averaging 8.6 points on a .435/.353/.852 slash line, three assists, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in just under 21 minutes per game, according to Basketball Reference. On top of that, Vildoza was also a Liga ACB Champion in 2020 while also winning the ACB Finals MVP.

Vildoza brings scoring, shooting, quality defense, and overseas battle-tested experience to the mix for Milwaukee, all of which could make him a welcoming piece to this contenting team.

The Athletic’s Eric Nehm added that Vildoza is also signed on for next season with the Bucks, but the deal will be non-guaranteed. Perhaps this is a long-term move for the defending champions, but only time will tell how things pan out for the 26-year-old guard. For now, he will have to work his way up in the guard rotation, but he will certainly be able to learn from a great group of players like Holiday, Connaughton, Matthews, and a handful of other reputable names in this backcourt.

As mentioned previously, this signing is similar to Milwaukee’s move for Elijah Bryant before the playoffs last season, as he had also spent significant time overseas. Bryant did not see a clear-cut role during his time for the Bucks after coming aboard, but the team did get a chance to evaluate him, which is what they will do with Vildoza as well.

On the surface, this is an incredibly interesting signing for the Milwaukee Bucks, as Vildoza could be a hidden gem. Only time will tell in that regard, so stay tuned to see how things transpire with Milwaukee’s new 15th man.