The Milwaukee Bucks have waived forward Nigel Hayes-Davis shortly after acquiring him in a trade deadline deal from the Phoenix Suns. While some wondered whether the former Wisconsin Badger could carve out a role for himself in the state he's well-known in, that will not take place. Instead, the Bucks now have an open roster spot, and Pete Nance feels like the obvious candidate to fill it.
Pete Nance has been playing incredibly well for the Bucks lately
After spending most of the season glued to the bench, two-way big man Pete Nance has finally been on the floor for Milwaukee lately. Following Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury, the Bucks have needed a big body in the frontcourt, and Nance has obliged. He's not putting up unheard-of numbers, but the forward is undeniably having a strong audition to earn a standard contract soon enough.
Over his last four games, Nance is averaging 12.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while hitting 63.6 percent of his shots, including 50 percent of his triples. He's been the type of sweet-shooting, mobile big man that this team hasn't had for much of the season. For a team that has had trouble getting second-unit production, Nance has been a shot in the arm.
Nearly 26 years old, Nance isn't some raw, unheard-of prospect. However, given that this is the first time he's been offered a prominent role in his NBA career, he's flexing some untapped potential. In a frontcourt consisting of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, and Myles Turner, he can certainly learn a lot as he aims to become a mainstay in Milwaukee's rotation.
The Milwaukee Bucks likely won't pounce on a Pete Nance promotion right away. He is still eligible for plenty more games regarding two-way rules, and another team cannot poach him. It feels far likelier that the Bucks wait, scan the buyout market, and make a move then. With more established players like Haywood Highsmith and Cam Thomas available, the Bucks may like to evaluate options.
Even if they did sign someone else, the Bucks could still make room for Nance by waiving someone else currently on the roster. No matter how things pan out, the Milwaukee Bucks should not let Pete Nance finish the season out on a two-way deal. He looks like he could be a big piece in the frontcourt, which could undergo some tweaks in the summer.
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