While Milwaukee's front office scrambles to find trade targets across the league, the answer might've been sitting in their G-League affiliate the whole time. Pete Nance just gave Doc Rivers exactly what he's been claiming the Bucks need.
In Milwaukee's 112-110 win over Atlanta, Nance put up 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block on 2-of-3 shooting and 1-of-1 from deep. He just looked comfortable out there, neither overwhelmed nor out of place. He made the right reads offensively, rotated correctly on defense, and showed exactly the kind of versatility Milwaukee desperately needs from its frontcourt depth.
After the game, Nance's comments in his media availability captured a player who's been waiting for exactly this moment: "This is what I've been working for, hoping for, just staying ready and all the G-League reps and everything like that. As a two-way, this is what you hope for, just a chance and an opportunity. Super appreciative for it, but excited to continue to build on it."
The Milwaukee Bucks might have found another diamond in the rough
Obviously, the biggest thing is that this is what happens when you actually give young players opportunities instead of defaulting to washed veterans every single night. Nance has been developing in the G-League, working on his game, and waiting for a chance. Rivers finally gave him one, and he delivered immediately.
Defensively, he was active and engaged. Two steals and a block in 15 minutes show someone who's looking to make plays rather than just existing on that end. The Bucks need those kinds of effort plays from their depth pieces, especially when Giannis Antetokounmpo sits.
His game has shades of an earlier developmental success story in Sandro Mamukelashvili. They can both handle the rock, shoot, and contribute in a litany of different ways.
This newfound potential in the frontcourt couldn't have come at a better time, considering the Bucks are reportedly looking into trading Bobby Portis Jr.
What's most encouraging is that Nance didn't try to do too much. He took good shots, made simple plays, and didn't force anything. That basketball IQ and self-awareness are what separate useful rotation players from guys who hurt you despite having talent.
The Bucks have been so focused on external solutions, from trades, buyout market, and established veterans, that they've ignored the internal development options right under their noses. Nance, Andre Jackson Jr., and even Mark Sears are players who could contribute if given consistent opportunities.
One good game doesn't make Nance a rotation staple, but it's enough to earn him another look. Give him real minutes over the next few games and see if this production holds. If it does, suddenly Milwaukee has frontcourt depth that doesn't cost them trade assets or rotation mainstays.
Rivers needs to give Nance consistent minutes going forward. Not sporadic spot appearances, but actual rotation time where he can develop rhythm and show whether this performance was a fluke or the start of something real.
The Bucks may have just found rotation help where they weren't even looking for it. Sometimes the answer isn't a blockbuster trade or expensive free agent; it's the two-way player who's been grinding in the G-League waiting for his shot.
Pete Nance just got his. Now let's see if Doc Rivers is smart enough to give him another one.