The Milwaukee Bucks haven't been shy about bringing families closer over the past several seasons. Brook Lopez, Robin Lopez, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Thanasis Antetokounmpo have all been on the rosters together in recent memory, and the Bucks could keep the tradition going this offseason with the Nance brothers, a pair of players who can help this team as they retool in the frontcourt.
The Nance brothers could be of use to the Bucks' frontcourt
With Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis and Jericho Sims all eligible to hit the free agent market, big changes may be on the horizon for Milwaukee's frontcourt this summer. As they aim to fill the gaps, becoming a more athletic and mobile team should be a priority, and that's something Pete and Larry Nance Jr. can help this team do.
Pete Nance, signed by the Bucks midseason on a two-way deal, didn't play much, but during the one time he got to shine, he flexed his potential. In 43 minutes during the regular season finale, Nance put up 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks, making five triples. At 6-foot-10, he's athletic, boasts a nice outside shot and is versatile defensively at just 25 years old. Check. Check. Check.
Larry Nance Jr. is the more established of the two. Throughout his career, the 6-foot-8 center/power forward has made a living by being a do-it-all player, serving as a versatile defender and eye-catching long-distance shooter. Attributes like that were why Milwaukee Bucks fans had Nance circled on their big board of trade targets this past season.
Having these two could make the Milwaukee Bucks more versatile defensively, allowing the team to switch more and not constantly get caught in mismatches, while not sacrificing much floor spacing offensively due to their shooting prowess. They haven't had big man capable of doing both in a very long time.
Both players are attainable for Milwaukee. Pete already has one foot in the door from last season, so keeping him should not be a tall order. Larry is coming off a season in which he missed time due to surgery, so his value is low. If the Milwaukee Bucks can get them both in the door on low-cost deals, their hopes of getting more athletic in the frontcourt will grow.
As they aim to build around Giannis Antetokounmpo, surrounding him with shooters and athletes must be the way forward for the Milwaukee Bucks.
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