The Milwaukee Bucks have added another name to the mix, signing Jake Stephens to what figures to be a training camp deal. That move gives the Bucks two bigs, Stephens and Wisconsin Herd alum John Butler Jr., set to compete for a shot at the actual roster.
The center spot has become a clear focus for Milwaukee, and this latest addition only sharpens the picture. Stephens and Butler are both in line to battle for position in camp, but there’s a good chance that fight extends beyond October and into Oshkosh with the Herd.
Even if one of them lands Milwaukee’s final two-way contract, that player would still likely spend plenty of time with the G League club. The Bucks’ regular rotation doesn’t leave a ton of obvious openings, so the path for either big man probably runs through both training camp and the Herd.
That setup could work well for everyone involved. A little competition can bring out the best in players trying to carve out a place in the league, and Butler and Stephens should be able to push each other day after day. It also gives new Herd head coach Schuyler Rimmer something to watch as he tries to build a new culture in Oshkosh.
Milwaukee still has one two-way spot open, with Cormac Ryan and Kam Jones already in place. Using that final slot on one of these centers would make sense, especially with the Bucks carrying three solid options in Myles Turner, Kel'el Ware, and Jericho Sims while still wanting a fallback plan.
Both players have reasons to believe they belong. Butler already knows the organization from his time with the Herd and the Bucks' Summer League squad, and he also has NBA experience from his stint with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Stephens brings a different appeal: he’s older, more polished, and has posted strong numbers in overseas play. That gives each of them a real opening to make an impression.
However it shakes out, the Bucks are clearly looking everywhere for help. From their G League team to overseas, the front office is widening the search as it builds this new roster. With training camp getting closer, the next moves will be worth watching.
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