The Milwaukee Bucks will likely free up a roster spot in the coming days, and it should quickly go to Pete Nance. The big man has played well on his two-way contract after finally being given a chance, looking like someone worth developing in this system. Depending on how the roster looks, there may be legitimate minutes up for grabs, and seeing what Nance has to offer would be worthwhile.
Pete Nance will likely earn a standard roster spot with Bucks
Nance hasn't been an All-Star since he entered the rotation, but he's played eye-catching basketball. In that timeframe, he's averaging 6.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.7 assists in 16.3 minutes per contest while shooting 46.2 percent from deep. Those averages are hampered by Doc Rivers playing him for only 2 minutes in a recent loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, but the potential is there.
It's not a large sample size, but Nance has looked like the type of big man teams are always on the prowl for in today's NBA. He can shoot the basketball, rebound, and move well. Nearly 26, Nance isn't a young raw prospect, but his experience in the G League and at other NBA stops has clearly helped his development. A standard contract could take things a step further.
With Milwaukee's season slowly slipping away and many wondering if they will be sellers at this year's NBA Trade Deadline, it's the perfect time for tryouts to evaluate the future. If Bobby Portis, Kyle Kuzma, or Myles Turner get moved in the next few days, there will be a massive hole in the frontcourt that needs filling, and Nance would be a prime candidate to do so.
Milwaukee is no stranger to two-way success stories in recent memory. AJ Green went from being an undrafted two-way player to a recently extended full-time starter. Just over a year ago, Ryan Rollins was a two-way backup who has become a mainstay in the Most Improved Player discussion and one of Milwaukee's few bright spots this season. Pete Nance could very well be next up.
First, the Milwaukee Bucks need to figure out what their trade deadline plans are. Will they move on from Giannis Antetokounmpo? Will they keep him and retool in the summer? Will they focus on small moves to stock up on assets? There's no telling, but in the aftermath, Pete Nance should find himself signing a new deal with the franchise.
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