Taurean Prince currently stands as the lone legitimate small forward the Milwaukee Bucks have on the payroll. While positionless basketball is all the rage today, they'd be wise to add another one to the roster, and it appears they are at least holding some auditions, announcing that small forward Keita Bates-Diop has made the Summer League roster.
Bucks bringing in lengthy, versatile small forward
Drafted late in the second round in 2018, Bates-Diop had a quality six-year run. Standing at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-3.25 wingspan, the forward made his money due to his versatile defense, guarding just about anyone on the floor when asked to. His offense was never anything to write home about, as he averaged just six points and 0.9 assists per game in that span.
After taking last year off, Bates-Diop is still 29. He very well may have plenty left in the tank. Anyone who signs him will be banking on him bringing some fiery and versatile defense, and if he brings that, he can find his next home fairly quickly. If he performs well in Summer League, the Milwaukee Bucks will already have a head start over other teams.
Obviously, the defense will be at the forefront of everyone's minds, but his offense will also be worth keeping an eye on. If he shows promise in both regards, even if it is Summer League, there's a good chance he ends up on a roster in some form. That is especially true with how bare the small forward market is just a few days into NBA Free Agency. Teams will be looking everywhere for help.
If no NBA team ends up signing him, it wouldn't be surprising if Bates-Diop ends up sticking with the Bucks down in the G League, with their affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd. Last year, the team was littered with former NBA veterans like Terence Davis, Justise Winslow, and Henry Ellenson, where they got to show their skills as they fought to make it back to the NBA.
Bates-Diop could follow the same path.
Milwaukee's Summer League roster features plenty of captivating names beyond just Bates-Diop. Tyler Smith and Andre Jackson Jr. highlight the returnees. Mark Sears will look to show his worth after coming aboard via a two-way. Bogoljub Markovic will aim to prove he belongs stateside with the team next season rather than heading overseas. It's a fun group.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.