After the stunning decision to waive Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks need another point guard, but the market is currently drying out. In a last-ditch effort to add some support, it wouldn't come as much of a surprise if former MVP Russell Westbrook soon became linked to the Bucks as he hunts for his next destination in free agency.
Westbrook is the ultimate boom or bust point guard
Two teams with rumored interest in Russell Westbrook this summer were the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings. However, the Knicks signed Jordan Clarkson, while the Kings added Dennis Schroder to fill their backcourt needs. Westbrook is still searching, and the Bucks are among the few teams still looking for a new point guard.
There's a reason Russell Westbrook hasn't managed to find a consistent home in the NBA since his MVP days back in OKC. He's inconsistent as they come. One play, he will make the sweetest pass or finish with a thunderous dunk that causes the crowd to erupt. On the next possession, he could turn the ball over with a horrid pass or jack up an incredibly contested layup.
When he's on, he's great. When he's off, he's a headache. Westbrook is at his best when he's serving as a spark off the bench. The veteran floor general can still lead a second unit as a ball-handler, and his defense is pesky enough that he can generate steals to create fast breaks. He can't get up like he used to, but he can still bring some athletic punch with his high-flying dunks and blocks.
For the Milwaukee Bucks, Westbrook doesn't exactly fit the current approach they are taking as it pertains to building around youth, as evidenced by moves to re-sign Kevin Porter Jr. and bring in Myles Turner. However, the 36-year-old still had decent enough production last season - 13.3 points and 6.1 assists per game - that he could still potentially offer some help.
It could also be a flat-out disaster.
To be clear, if they were to even entertain bringing him in, the Milwaukee Bucks should not have a role as the starting point guard in mind. Westbrook has never been an outside shooter - 30.5 percent for his NBA career - which would make him a clunky fit with Giannis Antetokounmpo. This would be all about him serving as the backup to whoever slots in as the starter.
The Milwaukee Bucks should absolutely explore other options first. Ryan Rollins is still out there and is ready for a larger role. Former Bucks guard and Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon could be an interesting reclamation project. Time will tell how they address it, but the Milwaukee Bucks need to bring in another ball-handler.
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