In a surprising move, the Milwaukee Bucks recently cut two-way guard Mark Sears, allowing him to go elsewhere. However, per the team, Sears is reportedly staying in the state, signing a contract with the Bucks' G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd. The point guard will continue working on his craft with a team he has already spent most of the season with.
Bucks keep Mark Sears within the organization
After going undrafted this past summer, Sears swiftly landed with the Milwaukee Bucks on a two-way deal, allowing him to split time between the pros and G League. He never exactly got his moment with the Bucks, appearing in just seven games for an average of 3.7 minutes per contest, but his potential as a high-scoring offensive maestro was clear from his college days.
In nine Tip-Off Tournament games with the Herd this year, Sears has averaged 15 points, 5.1 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and one steal per game. There have been glimpses of potential sprinkled in, and he will now look to continue unearthing that. To take the next step, Sears must focus on his efficiency, as he has shot just 42.3 percent from the floor, including 30.2 percent from deep. That won't cut it.
The biggest obstacle for Sears, 6-feet tall, will always be his height. There are currently 14 players in the entire NBA who are his height or shorter, and very few of them are playing key roles. Yet, players like Ryan Nembhard, Jose Alvarado, and Davion Mitchell are proof that if you can make an impact, height won't matter too much.
The goal for Sears now is to play well enough to earn a call-up. Herd players are no strangers to call-ups, with names such as Terence Davis, Wenyen Gabriel, and Ibou Badji, among others, all earning a shot at the NBA via the Herd. If Sears is playing well and some team finds themselves in need of a point guard, plucking someone like him out of the G League would be a viable option.
It's unclear why the Milwaukee Bucks moved on from Sears. It was reasonable to believe they had a replacement in mind for their now-vacant third two-way slot, but the team has left it open to this point. With Ryan Rollins, Cole Anthony, and Kevin Porter Jr. as the point guards on the roster, it would make sense for the Bucks to look at a position on the roster that is depleted of depth, such as small forward, to fill it.
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