The Milwaukee Bucks have always tried to put versatile big men around Giannis Antetokounmpo, and if he ever wants a promotion, Pete Nance knows he must follow those footsteps. Having signed a two-way contract with the Bucks last season, Nance spent the summer with the team, picking the brains of several other players at his position. Now, he's looking to carve out a role for himself.
In a conversation with this reporter, Nance talked about his summer and things he's picked up from Milwaukee's deep frontcourt room in the time he's been with the squad.
"Especially as Bobby [Portis] and Myles [Turner] goes, those are two guys who space the floor and kind of do things that I'm going to need to do to really break through and become a standard contract player in the NBA as far as spacing, rim protection, switch-ability. So being able to watch them closely, and watch how they're successful in their habits... it was awesome for me to be around."
Pete Nance has a great opportunity to learn from some great players
Nance spent the entire summer learning from Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, Bobby Portis, and Jericho Sims. Those are four incredibly different players with varying levels of stature, but that gave him many diverse perspectives. For a 25-year-old looking for his first legitimate NBA chance, having the ability to learn from such players could be incredibly valuable.
Perhaps taking a page out of Giannis Antetokounmpo's book, Nance told this reporter that he packed on eight pounds of muscle this summer. Of course, Giannis, who was lanky upon arriving in Milwaukee over a decade ago, underwent one of the NBA's most insane body transformations, largely due to him packing on an unheard-of amount of muscle. Nance won't reach those heights, but he's growing.
As for Portis and Turner, Nance hit the nail on the head. Those two have been successful in their NBA careers, and in Milwaukee, because of how well they fit with Giannis. They both shoot the long ball so well, spacing the floor for the Greek Freak while also attacking the glass. Turner, in particular, has also done that while serving as a versatile, do-it-all defensive presence.
Nance's best chance of making the leap to a standard contract player is proving he can play on both sides of the ball, and he's well aware of this.
The opportunity could be there for the taking. The Milwaukee Bucks have shown that they are not shy about promoting two-way players to standard contracts. AJ Green and Ryan Rollins, who have both become unquestioned starters for this team, began their journeys with the Bucks on two-way deals. That should serve as the ultimate motivation for Nance.
In brief showings with the Bucks and Wisconsin Herd, Milwaukee's G League squad, Nance has shown glimpses of play that fits with the team's vision. He's tall, lengthy, can shoot, and has the tools to be a versatile defender. If he can harness all of that on a nightly basis, the Bucks will surely take notice.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.