The Milwaukee Bucks went into the All-Star break with more momentum than they have had perhaps all season long, winning five of the last six games. With strong performances by Ousmane Dieng and Pete Nance over that stretch, the question now is whether they both remain as focal points moving forward and what ramifications that may have for the franchise down the line.
A bold and potentially controversial decision looms: Should the Bucks lean into playing Dieng and Nance more frequently at the expense of preserving the trade value of Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma this summer? The answer is yes.
Balancing this season with this summer will be key for Bucks
Dieng, acquired in a deal in early February, brings size, length, and defensive versatility to a Bucks roster that has had trouble stopping opposing wings and forwards. The 22-year-old forward has flashed the ability to space the floor and defend multiple positions, making him a potential breakout player for Milwaukee.
Likewise, Nance, who is on a two-way contract, has shown enough promise in limited minutes to warrant extended looks simply because of his high basketball IQ, fundamental play, and extra effort on the glass (something that this Bucks team often lacks).
On the flip side of this equation are two veterans whose value on the open market could be hurt by reduced playing time. Portis and Kuzma, both capable scorers with established track records, could have suitors interested in their skill sets this offseason. Limiting their minutes down the stretch can be perceived as diminishing their trade value, something opposing GMs pay attention to.
A healthy Bobby Portis and Kuzma, both capable of creating offense, could be tempting pieces in a larger swap or as complementary pieces in pursuit of a star upgrade to satisfy Antetokounmpo's desire to compete. If the Bucks opt to sit them in favor of more optimized pieces like Dieng and Nance, that leverage could disappear.
For a team that still believes it can make a meaningful run to the playoffs around Giannis Antetokounmpo, prioritizing fit and on-court cohesion might outweigh asset value. If Milwaukee makes a deep postseason push thanks to these lineup changes, the damage done to summer trade value could be worthwhile.
In the end, playing Dieng and Nance more might be a bold, potentially disruptive move for their summer negotiation position. Still, it could also unlock the kind of rotation flexibility needed to push this team into the playoffs. It is a gamble the Bucks now face, and one that they need to make.