Following a short G League stint, Stanley Umude has worked his way onto the San Antonio Spurs roster via a two-way contract. Umude, a one-time Milwaukee Bucks wing, now gets another shot to prove that he belongs at this level. The Spurs are hoping the wing's game can translate to the NBA, unlike it did in Milwaukee.
Former Bucks wing lands in San Antonio
Umude was putting up impressive numbers with San Antonio's G League franchise, the Austin Spurs. In 10 games, he averaged 19.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game while hitting 41.8 percent of his 3-point tries. With stellar play like that on both sides of the ball, the Spurs giving a promotion to the wing was inevitable.
It's the same kind of potential Milwaukee Bucks fans were enamored with when Umude first signed a two-way deal with the team in 2024. In a brief stint with Detroit and its G League team, Umude flashed legitimate potential as a 3-and-D wing. Given Milwaukee's wing shortage in recent years, it felt like the team might have found a hidden gem to help the cause. Unfortunately, that didn't pan out.
Umude appeared in just 22 games for the Milwaukee Bucks last season, averaging just 3.9 minutes per game. He was almost exclusively used in mop-up duty when the game had already been decided. Even then, he had chances to shine, but his impact was largely minimal, highlighted by the fact that he shot just 20 percent from behind the long line.
It made some sense for the Milwaukee Bucks to go in a different direction with their two-way slots for the 2025-26 season. Pete Nance possesses plenty of potential and could be an ideal Bobby Portis fill-in if the big man gets traded. Mark Sears looks like an undrafted hidden gem. Alex Antetokounmpo has shown glimpses and also helps keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy.
Umude could have been a solid piece, especially with Milwaukee's current lack of reliable depth on the wing, but the names in his place are suitable.
The Spurs are hoping to see what Umude is made of. Nearly 27 years old, he's not some young, raw prospect that hasn't had much basketball experience. He played five years of college basketball and three already in the NBA. This is the last year he will be eligible for a two-way deal, and he must find a way to capitalize with a strong showing.
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