The Milwaukee Bucks G-League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, made it a priority before the season to add NBA veterans who may still have something left in the tank.
Whether it be due to injury, playing overseas or other circumstances, Justise Winslow, Terence Davis and Henry Ellenson are all experienced players who have not been in the NBA in quite some time. This opportunity to play for the Herd gives them a chance to showcase why they deserve a roster spot at the next level, and now, the team is giving that opportunity to another recognizable face.
The Bucks G-League affiliate just added a household backup guard
Per NBA insider Marc Stein, the Wisconsin Herd have claimed guard Dennis Smith Jr. after he entered the player pool for the upcoming G-League Showcase. Smith will now suit up for the Herd and get the chance to get back on the hardwood once again.
Ironically, Smith is a player many Bucks fans were clamoring for the team to sign in NBA Free Agency this past summer. The interest was (and still is) justifiable, as Smith had a nice season in Brooklyn last year, serving as a solid backup point guard. His two most desirable attributes are his athleticism and perimeter defense, two things that have fueled Milwaukee's recent youth-inspired turnaround.
The Bucks - and plenty of other teams - will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the 27-year-old during this upcoming slate of games. Smith will be one of the most recognizable names playing, and if he impresses, a team needing a backup point guard could very well give him a call.
Milwaukee doesn't currently have a free roster spot, but they do have questions at the backup point guard slot. Delon Wright has been in and out of the rotation, while Ryan Rollins seemed destined for a prominent role before suffering a nasty shoulder injury. He hasn't been back in the rotation since.
Khris Middleton coming off the bench as one of the team's primary ball-handlers has lessened the need for another backup floor general, but if the team sees something in Smith, perhaps they could find a way to bring him aboard down the line. At the bare minimum, it wouldn't hurt to have another capable perimeter defender on this Milwaukee Bucks roster.
Before there is any legitimate discussion about Dennis Smith Jr. making it back onto an NBA roster, he first has to impress with the Herd. Smith's performance in the upcoming G-League showcase will be worth keeping a close eye on.
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