The new NBA season is right around the corner as training camp gets underway for franchises across the league. Some teams are still filling out their rosters, as they are allowed to carry a handful of extra players before the actual season begins. The Portland Trail Blazers are among the teams that are still active in the recruiting process, as they just brought in a pair of former Milwaukee Bucks for camp.
The Rose Garden Report's Sean Highkin reports that MarJon Beauchamp and Liam Robbins are on the training camp roster. Two players who spent time with the Milwaukee Bucks last season have an opportunity to mount an NBA comeback after it felt like their time in the league was nearing an end. Only time will tell if they can make the most of it.
Former Bucks have a shot at redemption
Of the two, Bucks fans will certainly have more memories of Beauchamp. A first-round pick, there was plenty of hype surrounding the wing when the team took him in 2022. However, he never managed to pick up the pieces, failing to establish himself in the rotation whatsoever. For a team that was seeking a two-way wing desperately year after year, it was brutal that he never panned out.
At this past trade deadline, Beauchamp was dealt to the LA Clippers in a straight-up swap involving Kevin Porter Jr. Considering Beauchamp lasted three games with the Clippers and Porter is set to be Milwaukee's starting point guard next season, in all likelihood, it feels safe to say that the trade was a major win for the Bucks.
Robbins was with the Milwaukee Bucks for a much shorter time. The 7-footer started with the team on a two-way deal last season and was part of the In-Season Championship team. He never played much, as he spent time down in the G League to get more reps. However, the Bucks ended up letting him go to clear room for others. Now, he has a chance to prove he belongs in the NBA once again.
While the specifics of the deals were not made clear, it's likely that the Trail Blazers will earn the right to house both players on their G League squad this coming season. It gives Portland a chance to eye some young talent, while the players get legitimate reps to work on their games. It's low-risk.
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