NBA preseason is finally underway, and the Milwaukee Bucks got off to a good start with a 103-93 win over the Miami Heat. All eyes were on Myles Turner and his debut, but it was Pete Nance who really captured the attention and is the clear winner of the game.
Milwaukee has a full roster, but rumors over a trade and questions at the wing positions suggest places could still be up for grabs. The two-way forward finished with 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals on 5-of-9 (55.6 percent) from the field, making 4-of-7 (57.1 percent) 3-pointers. It will be tough to force his way into the rotation, but we have seen the Bucks develop two-way players before into rotation pieces.
Nance should follow the path of Green and Rollins
AJ Green and Ryan Rollins have both laid the foundations for what Nance can follow. Both players were on two-way deals with the Bucks; now they are both integral pieces of the rotation and are in contention to start. As two-way players are not allowed to participate in the playoffs, the last time we saw Nance was in the final regular season game against the Detroit Pistons, where he dropped 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
With the Bucks revamping their roster and heading down the route of younger and more athletic players, Nance fits the mold. However, there are several wings on the roster that are also fighting for their spots. Kyle Kuzma was the big addition at the trade deadline, and despite poor performances, it will be difficult for him to be replaced internally simply due to his contract and the level he can get to.
Veteran Taurean Prince was re-signed this offseason to the surprise of many, and he is on a one-year plus player option deal. The real battle looks to come down to Chris Livingston, who is on a guaranteed deal, Andre Jackson Jr. and his non-guaranteed deal, then Amir Coffey on a training camp deal. There are plenty of bodies ahead of Nance on the depth chart, but the Bucks still could make a move despite their lack of trade flexibility.
Nance boosted his chances with a great opening performance, and there are now plenty of eyes on him. The display may even tempt other teams to offer him a deal and give him a shot as a fully contracted player in the NBA. For now, he will continue getting plenty of game time in preseason, where those in the coaching staff and front office will be asking questions, should he continue to outperform those expected to be in the rotation.