Pete Nance can only be active for three more games with the Milwaukee Bucks. As a two-way player, the limit is set at 50 regular season games with no eligibility for the postseason. As Nance continues proving that he can be a legitimate rotational piece for this team, the forward is about to slam into a roadblock that may hinder his development as he is forcefully yanked from the rotation.
One of the lone bright spots in what has been a frustrating season is about to vanish from the Bucks' rotation entirely.
Signing Nance felt like a no-brainer for Bucks
With Giannis Antetokounmpo out of the lineup more than ever before, Nance has received a massive opportunity to prove himself this season. He has ceased the moment. While the numbers don't jump off the page (4.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game), the forward does all of the little things, such as play with effort, that don't show up on the stat sheet.
Just like Ryan Rollins last season, it felt like Nance was well on his way to being converted from a two-way contract to a standard deal after the NBA Trade Deadline. However, his hopes were crushed after the team signed Cam Thomas in his place. With Thomas suddenly out of Milwaukee's rotation and the Bucks needing Nance, that move has quickly come back to bite them.
With 14 games left on the regular season slate—and likely Milwaukee's season entirely—Nance will be available for only three of them.
Project Nance will soon be put on temporary hold
With 14 games left to play, it feels unlikely that the Milwaukee Bucks would waive one of their current standard rostered players to make room for Nance. Instead, they will likely let Nance's two-way expire and aim to retain him in the summer. Whether it's a short-term contract or something longer and on the team-friendly side like Ryan Rollins got last summer, it makes sense to keep him.
There's no telling what direction the Bucks go in this summer, but with so much uncertainty around the futures of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Kyle Kuzma, and Myles Turner, there may be a need for depth in the frontcourt this offseason. Whether the Bucks enter a rebuild or aim to continue their contending journey, Nance fits in either timeline.
The forward looks like he will be Milwaukee's next hidden gem find.
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