The Milwaukee Bucks had to jump through some hoops to sign Amir Coffey, but they are glad they did following some recent developments. Doc Rivers told reporters prior to Milwaukee's NBA Cup game against Chicago that Taurean Prince, a go-to piece off the bench, has no clear timetable to return as he deals with a neck strain. Coffey is the next man up at small forward.
Coffey will fill Bucks' small forward void for the time being
Some questioned why the Bucks parted ways with Chris Livingston and Tyler Smith to make roster room to keep Coffey and Andre Jackson Jr. At the end of the day, it all boils down to experience and being ready when called upon. Amir Coffey, the most experienced player of the bunch, certainly fits that description, and the Bucks will now use him.
Had the Milwaukee Bucks let Coffey walk out the door after camp, they wouldn't have many viable routes to take at small forward for the time being. Gary Trent Jr. would still be the starter, and Kyle Kuzma could eat some minutes at the three, though he's been much better as a four, but it makes things much easier for Doc Rivers when he has a natural small forward to turn to.
Even with Prince out, Coffey didn't light the world on fire in Milwaukee's 126-110 win over Chicago in his nine-and-a-half minutes. He might not be as great a shooter as Prince, but one could argue he is a much more versatile piece. He defends, rebounds, passes, and does all of the little things to help this team. He knows he isn't out there to score double-digit points. He'll do the dirty work.
Coffey's ties to Doc Rivers certainly were at play in keeping him. The player and coach tandem were together in 2019-20 with the LA Clippers, when Rivers coached a rookie Coffey. Trust has been there from day one due to that previously established relationship, and now, it will be on display once again as the Milwaukee Bucks navigate Taurean Prince's absence.
Everyone knows the Milwaukee Bucks have a poor draft record in recent memory, but their ability to find hidden gems via the undrafted pool or team-friendly deals has helped them stay afloat. They are hoping that Coffey can be the next gem to be uncovered after he was seemingly forgotten about in free agency. With Prince out, he will have a shot to prove his value to the team.
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