NBA training camp is on the horizon, which means teams are starting to fill out their rosters with extra bodies to get a closer look at them. The Milwaukee Bucks are no exception, extending invites to John Butler Jr. and Jake Stephens. It's no coincidence that both of them are big men, as it wouldn't hurt to strengthen the center position with a capable depth piece.
Bucks could use a young, cheap backup center
Looking at Milwaukee's current roster, a few things are clear. First, the team absolutely does not need another guard. They are loaded there. Second, while it's unclear how any of them might pan out, both of the forward spots have enough bodies for the Bucks to sort through. That leaves the center spot as the big uncertainty in terms of depth.
While Myles Turner, Kel'el Ware, and Jericho Sims is an interesting trio, adding another capable body would be wise for depth. If any of the three have to miss time for any reason, having at least one more deployable piece would be very reassuring. As the Milwaukee Bucks ponder what to do with their last two-way roster spot, bringing aboard a big man would make all the sense in the world.
Of course, they have to find the right fit first.
Butler, Stephens will audition in training camp
The most interesting thing about Milwaukee bringing in Butler and Stephens is how different they are as players. It fits the current trend as the position, as Turner, Ware, and Sims are all incredibly different players who make their money playing to their individual strengths. It appears the Bucks would like to keep the trend of versatility alive by eyeing these two.
Standing at 7-feet tall, Butler is just 220 lbs, making him a thinner big man but still a player who can be a legitimate deterrence for opponents at the rim. Stephens, meanwhile, is much more imposing from a physical standpoint, coming in at 6-foot-11, 270 lbs. As you can imagine, he uses that physicality to his advantage in ways that Butler cannot.
Even their paths to this point have been vastly different. Butler spent one year in college before going undrafted and bouncing around the G League. Stephens spent five years in college and has played in the G League and overseas. No matter the path, it has led them to this moment. A two-way spot on the Milwaukee Bucks could very well be hanging in the balance over the next few weeks.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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