FOX Sports recently pitched the idea that the Milwaukee Bucks should sign Russell Westbrook to a contract. Westbrook is currently a free agent after spending last year with the Denver Nuggets, and while he may seem like a slightly awkward fit in Milwaukee, it could actually work out. That’s how FOX Sports sees it:
“With Lillard gone, Milwaukee has an enormous scoring vacancy to fill, which Turner's perimeter shooting will partially but not completely fill,” they wrote. “Westbrook would be instant offense off head coach Doc Rivers' bench. He provides a vibrant ball-handler who attacks the rack with bad intentions, can handle the rock in the halfcourt and serve as a viable starting point guard, if needed.”
Adding Westbrook could make some sense for the Bucks.
Why should the Bucks sign Russell Westbrook?
When the Bucks waived and stretched Damian Lillard, they did way more than just get off of his contract. They got rid of the perimeter leader of their offense. Westbrook wouldn’t be a perfect replacement, but he could work.
Westbrook is still a great ball-handler, and last year, he proved he could play in a smaller role. He looked great as the sixth man of the Nuggets, playing next to Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon.
Though the Bucks could run into some three-point spacing issues, if the Bucks run a lineup with Westbrook, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, and two other solid shooters (perhaps guys like AJ Green, Gary Trent Jr., or Taurean Prince), it could work.
The former MVP could lead the way for the offense, setting up Antetokounmpo for baskets inside while also utilizing his off-ball cutting when he doesn’t have the ball in his hands.
And even when he does want to drive to the basket, Antetokounmpo would be able to capitalize on his own size and strength to move off the ball, much like he did with Lillard, Jrue Holiday, and others leading the way.
Obviously, three-point shooting is more important than ever in today’s NBA, but there is plenty of room for other skills to shine. That’s where Westbrook could slot in with the Bucks.
They need ball-handling in a ball way. Someone to run the offense. Westbrook has been doing that for his entire career. It may not be perfect, but adding Westbrook to the rotation could give the Bucks a nice boost, especially as they look to navigate the post-Lillard world and make a run at another championship with Antetokounmpo at the helm.