Could the Milwaukee Bucks and San Antonio Spurs be trade partners?
Could the Milwaukee Bucks and San Antonio Spurs be trade partners: Jakob Poeltl the best fit?
On the surface it may seem that Doug McDermott is the best fit for the Bucks of the players perceived to be available. However, Jakob Poeltl would actually be a sneaky good pickup for the Bucks while also being the one that costs the least.
During the 2021-22 season, Jakob Poeltl averaged 13.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 blocks. Poeltl is 7’1″ and is a strong paint presence on both ends of the floor, Poeltl shoots 62.8 percent on field goals for his career and holds a respectable 108 defensive rating per 100 possessions.
In January, Stephen Noh of Sporting News wrote an article about Jakob Poeltl, a “hidden gem”. Noh described Poeltl as “the best center that nobody’s talking about”. Noh goes on to describe Jakob Poeltl’s ability to defend the rim and the perimeter and also goes on to quote Denver Nuggets Head Coach Mike Malone who said Poeltl is “one of the most underrated players in the league”. Noh also highlights Poeltl’s ability as an offensive rebounder and his prowess in the pick and roll as the roll man.
Noh makes a strong point, according to Statmuse Jakob Poeltl was tied with Robert Williams for third in the entire NBA in offensive rebounds per game with 3.9, the highest player on the Bucks was Bobby Portis with 2.5.
As for his effectiveness in the pick and roll game, according to nba.com, the San Antonio Spurs with Jakob Poeltl acting as the screen man averaged 1.16 points per possession, highest on the team. That type of offense for the Spurs resulted in scoring 58.3 percent of the time. Both of those numbers would fit right in with the Bucks.
So if the Bucks decided they could overlook his lack of a 3-point shot and struggles from the free throw line, they could acquire a center with essentially the exact opposite of Sandro Mamukelashvili. Then in 2023, when Brook Lopez and Serge Ibaka are free agents, the Bucks could employ a two man committee at center, one offensive specialist and one defensive specialist.
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Stay tuned on more articles on potential trade rumors involving the Milwaukee Bucks as the offseason progresses.