The Milwaukee Bucks were frequently lighting up social media on Thursday, considering it was the first day of NBA free agency. In addition to bringing back several of their own players, they added a free agent forward who is coming off of an ACL injury. Here, we will break down each move that the Bucks made and evaluate them.
Move #1- Re-Sign Bobby Portis
Contract Details: Four years for $49 million; player option in the fourth year.
2021 Stats: 14.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists; 48/39/75 shooting splits
Analysis: This move was a no-brainer. After averaging a career-high in points and rebounds with the Bucks, it was abundantly clear that Milwaukee is the perfect place for Bobby Portis. He won a NBA championship with them in 2021 and was all but adopted by the city. Portis is a bonified Sixth Man of the Year candidate and played extremely well as a starter while Brook Lopez recovered from back surgery.
Grade: A+
Move #2- Re-Sign Jevon Carter
Contract Details: Two years for $4.6 million
2021 Stats: 4.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists; 39/39/83 shooting splits
Analysis: The fact the head coach Mike Budenholzer did not play Jevon Carter as the primary backup point guard against the Boston Celtics is still baffling. It was clear from Carter’s first day in Milwaukee that he was a far superior player to George Hill. With Carter’s return to the Bucks, it is almost a certainty that Hill will get moved via trade.
Grade: A
Move #3- Re-Sign Wes Matthews
Contract Details: One year for $2.9 million
2021 Stats: 5.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists; 40/34/79 shooting splits
Analysis: The Bucks certainly found that they needed Wes Matthews last season when they signed him to a 10-day contract. They further proved the point when they chose to keep Matthews on the roster over veteran center DeMarcus Cousins. Matthews may be on the back nine of his career, but he is still a staunch defender and a decent three-point shooter.
Grade: B
Move #4- Sign Joe Ingles
Contract Details: One year for $6.5 million
2021 Stats: 7.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists; 40/35/77 shooting splits
Analysis: Joe Ingles suffered a torn ACL on January 31 of this year and missed the second half of the season. Before the injury, he was shooting well below his career splits of 45/41/77. That being said, if Ingles is able to come back healthy for even half the season, his game is perfect for the Bucks’ offense. The team needed another wing who can shoot and Ingles is a career 41% 3-point shooter. The question is if he will be healthy.
Grade: C
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