NBA Notes: Bucks, Cole Anthony, Suns, Bulls

Bucks

Bucks general manager Jon Horst is bullish on newly signed guard Cole Anthony, telling The Athletic’s Eric Nehm that the former Magic and Grizzlies guard could be a seamless fit in Milwaukee’s system, especially playing off Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“He’s electric with the ball, a very capable shooter,” Horst said. “I think he can be one of the guys that you’ve seen year in and year out come into our system and get a higher dose of better shot quality… I think he could have a huge shooting year, which would be massive for him and us.”

Anthony was waived by Memphis earlier this week and quickly scooped up by the Bucks. Horst also praised the former UNC standout’s swagger and energy, comparing him to a fan-favorite big man.

“He’s just got an edge to him,” Horst added. “I hope he takes this as an affectionate thing… I think he’s like a guard version of Bobby Portis. I think he can bring so much swag and energy to our team.”

Suns

A new era is taking shape in Phoenix.

With Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant no longer in town, the Suns are reshaping their roster around Devin Booker and a younger, more athletic supporting cast that now includes Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams, top pick Khaman Maluach, and second-rounder Rasheer Fleming.

The shift signals a philosophical pivot under team owner Mat Ishbia, at least on paper. As Gerald Bourguet of Go PHNX points out, patience may not come naturally for Ishbia, who has shown a tendency to move quickly when results lag behind expectations.

“When I make a mistake or things don’t go well, I change fast,” Ishbia said. “We make quick moves, and I’m not afraid to do that… Patience isn’t gonna be my strongest suit.”

Still, he left the door open for a longer-term plan if things appear aligned.

“I’m very patient if I think we’re on the right path and plan,” he added. “Let’s just say we lost more games next year, but it was aligned… then we’re gonna go that way.”

Bulls

Free agent point guard Yuki Kawamura has agreed to a two-way deal with Chicago, the team announced.

In order to make room, the Bulls waived Jahmir Young. Kawamura joins Emanuel Miller and second-round pick Lachlan Olbrich as the three two-way players in Chicao.

Kawamura, 24, spent last season on a two-way deal with the Grizzlies after several standout years in Japan. The 5-foot-8 guard played sparingly in the NBA, logging just 93 minutes across 22 games, but carved out a significant role with the Memphis Hustle in the G League.

In 31 G League games, Kawamura averaged 12.7 points, 8.5 assists, and 3.1 rebounds, while shooting 36.5 percent from deep and 76 percent from the line.