Milwaukee Bucks newcomer should aim to follow the AJ Green blueprint

After spending the last two years with the Detroit Pistons, Stanley Umude inked a two-way deal with the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this offseason.

Umude, 25, is older than most two-way players, though he's not even the oldest two-way player on Milwaukee's roster, as that title goes to Anzejs Pasecniks, who is 28. However, that might not be such a bad thing, as Umude being a tad more fine-tuned and having NBA experience under his belt could lead to him seeing some legitimate minutes sooner rather than later.

The wing will have to earn his keep on a two-way, but if he has desires of sticking around long-term, he must aim to follow the path previously traveled by former two-way shooting guard AJ Green.

AJ Green's journey with the Milwaukee Bucks

After going undrafted in 2022, AJ Green quickly signed a two-way deal with the Bucks. The two guard wasn't expected to play much with Milwaukee in his first season on such a contract, as one figured he would spend a good chunk of his time with the Wisconsin Herd in the G-League. Well, Green checked into 35 games with the Bucks and just seven with the Herd in his rookie year.

Though he didn't flat-out dazzle or command the stage when he played with the Bucks, Green clearly showed that he had the potential to be an NBA player. Milwaukee believed in him enough to hand him a standard contract the following offseason. Green saw an uptick in games played and minutes this past season, and entering year three, it looks like he'll become an even more important cog.

Umude could certainly follow the same path if he works hard enough. Like Green in his rookie year, there could be an opportunity for Umude to earn some minutes on the wing. The Bucks are always hunting for more defense on the wing, and that is one of Umude's intriguing attributes. Knocking in 44.4 percent of his career triples will also add to his desirability, as he can space the floor well.

In all likelihood, he won't play a prominent role, but if he catches eyes when he is fortunate enough to earn minutes, it could set Umude up for big things in the future. If things go well, perhaps he could be back with the Milwaukee Bucks next season on a standard contract. For now, all Stanley Umude can do is work hard and fight for a role.

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