It's always interesting to see where players end up after their time with the Milwaukee Bucks, even if their stint was brief. That holds true for Javin DeLaurier, who was with the franchise incredibly briefly during the 2021-22 NBA season. DeLaurier is staying overseas to sign with Turkish club Bursaspor Basketbol, where he will look to make a name for himself.
Former Bucks project is staying across the pond
DeLaurier got his foot in the door with the Wisconsin Herd, joining them in October 2021. Soon after, he earned a call-up to the NBA in the form of a 10-day contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. They were in desperate need of frontcourt depth after Brook Lopez underwent back surgery and was without a clear timeline for a return. Promoting someone internally temporarily made plenty of sense.
During his 10-day stint, the big man only appeared in one game for three minutes, as the Bucks never needed to break the glass in case of emergency. Once the deal expired, DeLaurier went back down to the G League, where he spent time with the Wisconsin Herd. That season, he showed glimpses of potential, averaging 6.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 blocks, and one steal per game.
Given his tenacity as a rebounder, strong defense, and young age, it would have made sense for the Herd to keep DeLaurier as a development piece. However, once that season concluded, the former Duke Blue Devil took his talents overseas, where he has been for the past several years- and where he will continue to be for the foreseeable future.
DeLaurier is one of many former Milwaukee Bucks set to play overseas next year. Tony Snell recently struck a deal with Boulazac BD. NBA Champion Axel Toupane signed with FC Porto. Fellow Herd alums Mamadi Diakite and Rayjon Tucker joined Saski Baskonia and the Zhejiang Lions, respectively. Vasilije Micic just joined Hapoel Tel Aviv after being bought out by the Bucks earlier this summer.
Playing overseas is a great option for players looking to prove they can make it back into the league. Talent in the NBA is abundant, so plenty of players must take time to showcase their worth on a stage where they will actually earn minutes. The Milwaukee Bucks are hoping they can see some growth in that regard from rookie second-rounder Bogoljub Markovic, who will spend this year overseas.
It'll be interesting to see if Javin DeLaurier will make it back to the NBA.
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