The Milwaukee Bucks were reportedly among the teams sniffing around former Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball, per Jake Fischer. However, the Bucks' rumored interest didn't last long, as the star guard has been traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It's probably the best for the Bucks, given that a Tyler Herro-LaMelo Ball backcourt would have been troubling to watch on defense.
Bucks can only have one offensive-minded guard
Could the Bucks have moved Herro had they truly wanted Ball? Probably. The Detroit Pistons remain interested in landing Milwaukee's new guard, but them recently clearing cap space signals that they might be pivoting. Charlotte likely wouldn't have wanted Herro, given that they took back big man Naz Reid, signaling a desire to open more opportunities for rising star guard Kon Knueppel.
From Milwaukee, they likely would have wanted bigs like Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma in addition to an assortment of draft picks.
Employing both Herro and Ball would have made for a troubling starting backcourt. There is simply no denying the offensive talent both players have, but the defense is lacking. Opposing players would've feasted on the pair nightly. Unless Milwaukee planned to simply live and die by their offense—a trend that simply doesn't work in today's NBA—this would be an ugly fit right away.
Bucks have a promising backcourt already
The Milwaukee Bucks also really don't need more guards at the moment. In addition to Tyler Herro, who is on the trade block as is, the team has Brayden Burries, Ryan Rollins, AJ Green, and Kasparas Jakucionis. Adding a ball-dominant star like LaMelo Ball into the mix could have complicated things as the Bucks begin to plot out their next steps.
Instead, Milwaukee must shift its attention to the frontcourt. Though they missed out on Ball, could they still trade Myles Turner and/or Kyle Kuzma to make room for the younger guys? Newcomers in Nate Ament, Kel'el Ware, and Jaime Jaquez will need opportunities. A few younger depth pieces would not hurt. Perhaps Milwaukee moves the pair for pieces that fit their new timeline far better.
No matter what the Bucks do next, it will not result in LaMelo Ball coming to Milwaukee, and that is likely for the best. While he could have brought some must-see highlight plays to the team, his fit would have caused problems in a hurry. As the Bucks begin this next era without the Greek Freak, their best bet is pursuing two-way players who complement this group well. Ball just isn't that.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
Add us as a preferred source on Google