Myles Turner's first year with the Milwaukee Bucks did not go according to plan, but would they really give up on him after one season? Their interest, even if exploratory, in Aday Mara at least makes it an intriguing question leading up to the NBA Draft. Per The Athletic's Eric Nehm, the Bucks have spoken to the big man as draft interviews get underway.
Could the Bucks use a starting center? That's up for debate
No one knows what the Milwaukee Bucks will do this summer, and it all revolves around the uncertain future of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Turner's future in Milwaukee could very well be tied to what Giannis wants to do. If the Greek Freak stays, it would make sense to give the Antetokounmpo-Turner pairing another look with a new coach. If Giannis leaves, however...
It would make sense to pivot if Milwaukee is looking to retool and get younger post-Antetokounmpo. Turner, having just turned 30, isn't an over-the-hill veteran, but if the goal is youth, it's reasonable to think a pivot would make sense. Even after a down year, teams would likely call the Bucks to inquire about a trade for the big man, hoping they could reawaken the Indiana Myles Turner.
The dream scenario, if the Milwaukee Bucks look to move Turner, would be to garner another pick in what is a loaded first-round draft class this summer.
Mara is catching eyes at the NBA Combine
It was already clear that Mara was a great player from his time at Michigan, but his NBA Combine tape and measurements have only increased his stock. He measured in at 7-foot-3 barefoot with 7-foot-6 wingspan and 9-foot-9 standing reach. Oh, my. Any team looking for a center of the future will have him firmly near the top of their big board.
He'd make sense in Milwaukee, but largely if the Bucks pivot. In a world where they keep both Turner and Antetokounmpo, using a top-10 pick on a backup in a crowded center room would be risky. That is especially true with all of the guards who could fill more immediate needs in the backcourt or a do-it-all chess piece like fellow Michigan Wolverine Yaxel Lendeborg.
The Milwaukee Bucks have a month to get it all figured out. For now, the cat is out of the bag: they are looking at one of the most interesting centers in the upcoming NBA Draft class.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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