Pete Nance, currently a two-way player for the Milwaukee Bucks, has been exceptional as a member of the Wisconsin Herd this season. If Nance keeps thriving while fellow Bucks big man Bobby Portis remains stuck in the mud — he's having one of his least-productive seasons to date — Milwaukee may have a worthwhile pivot to explore.
What Pete Nance is doing cannot be ignored
In five matchups with the Herd, Milwaukee's G League affiliate, the forward is averaging 21.8 points, eight rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. His shooting efficiency has been off the charts, shooting 63.2 percent from the field, including 48.1 percent from three. Sure, the sample size isn't massive, but Nance's two-way excellence has been nothing short of impressive.
The NBA is a different animal from the G League, but Nance is showing things that Portis has failed to do time and time again this season.
Nance has scored from all over the court with efficiency, particularly from long distance, while Portis continues to struggle to convert. While Nance is a versatile defender who can defend in space and protect the hoop, Portis continues to lack in both areas and hurt the Bucks. Nance attacks the glass; Portis' impact on rebounding has been nowhere to be found.
On the year, Portis is averaging 10.3 points (lowest with Bucks), 5.7 rebounds (lowest with Bucks), and 1.1 assists (tied for lowest with Bucks) in 21.3 minutes per game (second-fewest with Bucks). He's not the Sixth Man of the Year staple he has been in recent seasons. That is clear.
By letting players like Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez go this summer, the Bucks made it clear that they wanted a roster built around fast-paced offense and versatile defense. Portis hasn't provided either of those things, and it could very well lead to him being traded as the Milwaukee Bucks target players who fit their current model better. That could open the door for Nance to earn time.
Luckily for him, Nance is with an organization that has proven two-way players can earn promotions. AJ Green and Ryan Rollins both started their journey with the Milwaukee Bucks on two-way contracts before being promoted to standard deals, which eventually led to long-term extensions. If Nance can prove he deserves a shot, there is nothing stopping him from reaching those heights as well.
The next month or so will be crucial. Portis becomes trade-eligible in mid-December. If he remains in this recent slump while Nance continues playing exceptionally well, it might be time for the Bucks to finally pivot after flirting with the idea of trading their fan-favorite big man over the past handful of seasons. Strap in. Things are likely going to get interesting.
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