The Milwaukee Bucks risked losing Pete Nance when they cut him, but the forward opted to return to the team on a two-way contract. It wasn't set in stone from the beginning, though. Per The Stein Line insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer (subscription required), Nance had two-way interest from both the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers. He turned them down to rejoin Milwaukee and grow.
Nance rejects fresh start for continuity
It's not controversial to say that the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers are above the Bucks in the NBA's hierarchy. Loaded with stars, including LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jalyen Brown, and Luka Doncic, those teams are firmly in the title hunt, while the Milwaukee Bucks look like a team that is building for the future while trying to be as competitive as they can be.
Although the contract would have stayed the same, no one could have faulted Nance if he had joined either one of those squads. Having the opportunity to work with big-name players and have a chance to be on a title team would be desirable for anyone. Yet, Nance clearly didn't leap at the opportunity. Despite the Bucks cutting him, he wanted to return.
That shows a desire to build something with the Bucks. Though there have been countless personnel changes since Nance enjoyed his mini breakout last season, he's still under the same roof and should sleep easier knowing he can plant his roots here. Now, the next step is working his way back onto the standard roster in a full-time capacity.
Staying ready will be key for Nance
Through Milwaukee's first four games, none of the team's two-way players have been featured in the rotation. Though Taylor Jenkins has shown a willingness to shake up his personnel when the situation calls for it, it's unlikely that Nance, Cormac Ryan, or Kam Jones will feature prominently soon. They do need to stay ready, though.
Whether that means sitting on the sidelines during NBA games or getting reps in the G League with the Wisconsin Herd, they must do whatever it takes. All it takes is one injury, illness, or absence of any kind for Nance to become a crucial piece of the puzzle. Both Nance and the Milwaukee Bucks clearly believe this is the best spot for the forward to spread his wings; it's only a matter of when.
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