Over the last several seasons, the Milwaukee Bucks haven't put too much focus into developing their youth and looking ahead.
Yet, in a league that is starting to become dominated by fresh legs, it became a necessity for a team that was always among the oldest in the NBA year in and year out. One of the bigger success stories to blossom from this is Ryan Rollins, the two-way guard who has become a vital piece, starting in the place of Damian Lillard on a well-deserved standard contract.
The young guard's rise to this level serves as a reminder to fellow young players that it is possible to become a rotational player with the proper work and performance. As the Milwaukee Bucks work to find other potential hidden gems who could become mainstay contributors in the future, there is one young Buck who is in a similar position and is worth keeping an eye on.
Bucks young big man Pete Nance is brimming with potential
There was plenty of intrigue right away when the Milwaukee Bucks signed Pete Nance to a two-way deal earlier this season. While not overly experienced at the NBA level, Nance, 25, flexed potential in the G-League, displaying impressive athletic ability, defensive prowess and shot-making at 6-foot-11. For a Milwaukee team that could always use more of that in the frontcourt, Nance was low-risk.
Nance hadn't earned many minutes with the Milwaukee Bucks until their regular season finale against the Detroit Pistons, where the team was short on bodies. Not only did Nance start at center, but he hit the court for 43 minutes, giving him time to make an impression if he took advantage. Indeed, he did.
The big man was fantastic against the Pistons, pouring in 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocked shots while shooting 7-of-12 from the floor. Nance did a good chunk of his damage in the fourth quarter, where he dropped eight points on 3-of-4 shooting. That included knocking down two huge triples and a 2-pointer to break a tie with just over two minutes to play.
Whether it was the long-range shooting, versatile defense, surprising facilitating chops or whatever else was a result of Nance's active presence, the big man was impressive all game. To put together a performance like this in his first legitimate action with the team makes him an interesting prospect moving forward. There's undoubtedly more potential there.
With the NBA regular season now over, Nance's season comes to an end, as two-way players are not allowed to play in the playoffs. However, just like what happened to Rollins when he came aboard last season, the Milwaukee Bucks should keep Nance around for next season. That type of skills Nance has at 6-foot-11 do not grow on trees, and the Milwaukee Bucks should aim to unearth his abilities.
If so, in time, perhaps Pete Nance could work his way onto the standard roster just like Ryan Rollins.
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