NBA training camp will soon open, and the Milwaukee Bucks are making roster tweaks in preparation. Per the team, they've signed Cormac Ryan, who was previously with the team in Summer League this past year. With no clear destination following that brief stint, Ryan sticks with a Milwaukee team that will look to unearth his potential.
Bucks sign guard, but he likely won't make actual roster
Despite the signing, Milwaukee Bucks fans shouldn't get their hopes up that Ryan will be in town for the long haul. With the roster overflowing as is, Milwaukee doesn't have room. This will likely be a deal that allows Ryan to join the team for camp and then spend next season with the Wisconsin Herd, the G League affiliate of the Bucks.
It's a low-risk move that allows Milwaukee to get a closer, longer look at a Summer Leaguer who flashed some potential a few months back.
Ryan initially caught attention during the Summer League opener, where he poured in 18 points, two assists, and a steal while shooting 6-of-11 from the floor. He wasn't able to replicate that magic in any of the remaining games, but he never lost confidence and kept firing away. He finished with averages of 11.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest.
Just like he did in the Summer League opener, Ryan will have the green light in the G League, where a little development could go a long way. The Milwaukee Bucks are always hunting for young players on cheap contracts, and if Ryan impresses in Oshkosh, there's a chance they could bring him up in time. It would have to be an incredibly impressive showing, but never say never.
The most prominent thing Ryan can do to make his presence felt is knock down his 3-point shots. While he shot just 35.2 percent from deep in college and 25 percent in the Summer League, Ryan has always had a smooth stroke. If he can hone in on that, it could be intriguing for a Milwaukee Bucks team always looking to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with perimeter shooters.
Quietly, the Herd are looking like a team with an interesting roster for this coming season, boasting a few project players who have some NBA potential within them. Ryan will be among the headliners, but there could very well be more coming before the season.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.