After sorting out their point guard woes with the (unfinalized) acquisition of Cole Anthony, the Milwaukee Bucks now have one final roster spot left to fill, and the answer is sitting right there in free agency. They should be sprinting to the phone to call Caleb Houstan's agent.
The fit could not be clearer. The Bucks need a 3-and-D small forward with size, preferably one who fits the Kyle Kuzma role (that Kuzma himself, unfortunately, failed to fill), and there is still one in free agency in Houstan.
This past season, the former Orlando Magic forward averaged a decent 4.1 points and 1.3 rebounds in 58 games played. More importantly, he's 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan, which is everything the Milwaukee Bucks need in their supporting cast.
Houstan's 40 percent clip from deep on 2.8 attempts per game shows he can space the floor without forcing shots, exactly the kind of discipline Milwaukee needs around Giannis Antetokounmpo's driving lanes.
Caleb Houstan is one of the best 3-and-D small forwards remaining
Now that their backcourt rotation includes the likes of Cole Anthony, Kevin Porter Jr., and Ryan Rollins, the Bucks need to start addressing the lack of size and positional versatility that's been haunting them.
Not only is Houstan at the very least competent in the 3-and-D role, he's also one of the only ones left in free agency who has already shown flashes in the NBA. At just 22, he'd also make the Bucks (who are currently the 13th youngest team in the association already) that much younger.
Here's where Houstan becomes invaluable: his defense isn't just adequate, it's genuinely impactful. He held opposing guards to 54-of-118 (45.8 percent) when he was the closest defender, per matchup data on NBA.com/stats. That's not elite, but it's serviceable perimeter defense from a player who can switch across multiple positions without creating mismatches.
The size component cannot be overstated. At 6-foot-8 with that wingspan, Houstan provides the kind of versatile defender Milwaukee has lacked since PJ Tucker's prime. He can guard shooting guards who try to post up smaller defenders, small forwards who want to operate in isolation, and even slide up to power forwards in small-ball lineups.
Considering they had to depend on Taurean Prince and Andre Jackson Jr. for perimeter defense a year ago, Milwaukee's current roster construction makes Houstan's skill set even more valuable. Adding a player who can seamlessly slot into that utility role without requiring touches on offense is exactly what championship teams do with their final roster spots.
The financial aspect is equally compelling, since he's likely to be available at minimum rates, giving Milwaukee maximum value for their budget. Compare that to other available wings who either lack his defensive impact or demand significantly more money.
The timing works perfectly for both sides. Houstan gets to learn from veterans in a winning culture while contributing immediately to a championship contender. Milwaukee gets a player whose development ceiling could make him a key rotation piece during their title window.
Considering they've already missed out on other forwards who could have helped them, Milwaukee has the advantage of immediate need and clear role definition. Houstan wouldn't be buried on the bench hoping for opportunities – he'd be a legitimate rotation piece from day one.
The Milwaukee Bucks have spent their offseason making complex moves and navigating salary cap constraints, but sometimes the best decisions are the simplest ones. Caleb Houstan represents low-risk, high-reward roster building at its finest.