Pete Nance seemed destined to earn a standard contract leading up to the two-way deadline. It was within arm's reach until Cam Thomas hit the buyout market. The Milwaukee Bucks swiftly picked up the bucket getting guard, hoping he could provide a second unit jolt. In the process, they essentially told Nance that he'd have to wait his turn.
There were some wondering if the Bucks would be bold enough to waive someone, such as guard Andre Jackson Jr., to clear room for Nance, but that time never came.
Now, Nance is stuck on a two-way deal for the rest of the season. Though it likely won't matter, he is ineligible for postseason play. It's essentially the opposite of how the Milwaukee Bucks handled their situation with Ryan Rollins last season, who excelled on his two-way deal before being rewarded with a standard rest of the season contract, which was well deserved.
Like Rollins, Nance could be Milwaukee's next great find
No, Nance has not been as significant of a contributor as Rollins was before he got his new contract. Injuries and poor play made Rollins a necessity, while Nance is more of a luxury. Still, he's proven to be a player who can help this team, especially with Giannis Antetokounmpo out of the lineup. Locking him up on a deal wouldn't have changed Milwaukee's fate, but it would have been well-deserved.
When Rollins got his standard contract last season, it was the ultimate vote of confidence. Proof that a two-way player could rise through the ranks so rapidly and earn a deserved promotion. It was also a needed boost to their playoff rotation. Rollins was already playing the best basketball of his career at that point, but he certainly rewarded them with some quality play down the stretch.
Nance won't be so lucky. If the Milwaukee Bucks dig themselves out of this hole somehow and make the postseason, Nance won't be able to help. It's a tough reality for a big man who had been useful in his minutes this season that could certainly jab at his confidence. However, even if he's stuck on this deal for the rest of the season, Milwaukee should aim to keep its big man around.
Keeping Nance long-term makes sense for Milwaukee
Having just turned 26, Pete Nance isn't some raw prospect. He's been around the block, mostly down in the G League with the Wisconsin Herd. However, that experience has seemingly helped him find his footing in Milwaukee. While younger, inexperienced players may crumble when their role fluctuates as much as Nance's has, the forward has stayed cool, calm, and collected at all times.
He should absolutely be in Milwaukee's future. Even if he's not a needle-mover, Nance has "rotational big man" written all over him. The 26-year-old won't earn his standard contract during the season, but once the offseason hits, conversations should swiftly begin. Even if it's something short-term, Nance has earned it. He's been among the few bright spots in an ugly season.
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