Rumors swirled this past summer that the Milwaukee Bucks were among the teams interested in then free agent forward Guerschon Yabusele. Though it may have been an interesting proposal at the time, the Bucks certainly aren't kicking themselves at this point after missing out on him, as the forward has failed to make much of an impression with the New York Knicks.
Yabusele wouldn't have solved Bucks' issues
Coming off a resurgent campaign in Philadelphia, Yabusele secured a two-year deal worth $12 million with the New York Knicks. Many in league circles thought it was one of the most under-the-radar deals of the entire NBA offseason. However, he's been anything but that with the Knicks to kick off the new season, struggling to make his mark in the Big Apple.
In 17 games, Yabusele is averaging just 2.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.5 assists while shooting just 34 percent from the floor, including 28.1 percent from deep. The forward, who earned his keep as a Swiss Army Knife in Philadelphia last year, has been primarily a depth piece in New York this season, likely to find himself being trade bait as soon as he becomes eligible.
Adding Yabusele would not have solved any of Milwaukee's major issues. Had they parted ways with Kyle Kuzma or Bobby Portis, Yabusele would have been a nice frontcourt addition, but after signing Myles Turner and keeping those two, it didn't make much sense. Had they brought him in with this current group, it would have created an unavoidable logjam, bringing forth even more issues.
The one thing the Milwaukee Bucks could use right now is a stout wing defender. With a sturdy frame and some quickness, Yabusele had the potential to fill that role. However, as highlighted on a recent episode of the Game Theory Podcast by The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, Yabusele's defense has "been a trainwreck so far.” That, paired with his offensive numbers, tells the whole story.
Yabusele had an opportunity to make the Milwaukee Bucks regret their strikeout in the recent outing between the two teams, but he logged just six minutes and didn't do much in them.
For what they spent, the Knicks are certainly not relishing their decision to acquire Yabusele. The Milwaukee Bucks didn't have a perfect offseason, as evidenced by some of their signings falling short of expectations, but this is one move they are fine with striking out on.
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