Much of Milwaukee Bucks’ recent success is not mainly due to Giannis Antetokounmpo playing like an MVP but to the defenders that surround him.
They recently just won the Emirates NBA Cup and as they said, they’re not yet done.
Reports confirmed that the Bucks have claimed Dennis Smith Jr. through the Wisconsin Herd as the 2017 9th overall pick makes an attempt for an NBA return.
Many ‘Fear the Deer’ fans got excited with the news, propping up Smith Jr’s defensive tenacity as shown in his last stint with the Brooklyn Nets.
They thought he could be a good addition for the team’s defense which already have quality perimeter defenders in Andre Jackson Jr. who clamped Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup Finals. There’s also 3-and-D guys AJ Green, Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince.
He played 56 games last season with the Nets, averaging 6.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 18 minutes. What stood out about DSJ last season was his defense as he recorded 1.2 steals per game.
How can Dennis Smith Jr. help Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks?
First off, there is no guarantee that DSJ will land with the Bucks since he is not on a two-way contract. He can be signed by any teams. He is for anybody’s taking.
The only way he can become a Buck if the team opens a roster spot for him.
Fans could not help but play hypotheticals though.
With his tenacity as an on-ball defender, active hands, and energy, he will be a great complement for the Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Rookie Ryan Hollins is still being bothered by a shoulder injury and Bucks need a ball handler so that Lillard can play off-ball whenever the Greek Freak is on the bench. It will be like the time when Dame was still playing alongside CJ McCollum.
Right now, there are two things that need to happen – DSJ needs to play great and impress Jon Horst and Horst should be first on the line to sign him.
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