It wasn't too long ago that the Milwaukee Bucks were employing Torrey Craig. Now, the 34-year-old is fighting to keep his spot in the NBA.
For many seasons, the Bucks were desperate for a veteran wing that could play good defense and hit threes. Craig fit that mold and was always someone contenders would like to have. Times have changed, and the eight-year veteran is staring at his career progressing outside the NBA as he remains unsigned with camp underway.
Bucks have moved on but still have decisions to make on wings
Perhaps a forgotten spell of his career, but back in November of 2020, Craig signed with the Bucks, and it felt like a positive move that provided them with much-needed wing help. He was then traded to future NBA Finals opponents in the Phoenix Suns for cash considerations, and we all know who went on to win the title.
Craig featured just 18 times for Milwaukee, averaging 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in 11.2 minutes per game. The front office made a better move later that season by acquiring P.J. Tucker, who was one of the biggest pieces of the championship-winning roster. However, Craig has constantly been a veteran on a cheap deal for numerous teams, without really tying himself down to one team.
Last season, he played 26 games across stints with the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics. He is now in a similar spot to fellow veteran wing and former Buck Jae Crowder. Both players were brought in to Milwaukee as they fit the needs that the team desperately needed. The league has since moved on, and it looks like a long shot that either will be back in the association.
Milwaukee has finally gone down the route of a younger roster and bolstering its athleticism. Their guaranteed wings include Taurean Prince, Kyle Kuzma, and Chris Livingston. Yet, decisions still need to be made. Andre Jackson Jr. is still with the team, but his contract is only partially guaranteed. Amir Coffey was brought in on a non-guaranteed deal, raising questions over a potential trade, or someone being waived before the season, should he be offered a full contract.
It is positive to see Milwaukee moving on and changing the identity of the roster, but it is still slightly worrying that they have yet to find a combination of wings that work for them. Training camp will give us a much better view of what Doc Rivers plans to do for the season. Reports of Giannis playing a point forward role and suggestions of starting a smaller lineup with multiple shooting guards also could see some of the wings be moved on.
The Bucks have made the right decision to move on and head down a different route with Craig. There are still questions to be answered at the wing positions, and training camp will hopefully provide fans with the answers.