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Khris Middleton Bucks' Khris Middleton had pair of ankle surgeries
Wed, Jul 17, 2024, 9:52 AM
Shams Charania on Twitter
According to a report from The Athletic's Shams Charnia, Middelton is walking without pain after undergoing operations on both his ankles.
Analysis: Middleton averaged 15.1 points for a second consecutive season in 2023-24 after missing over half of the 2022-23 campaign. Fantasy managers can be hopeful for a more reliable run in 2024-25 but shouldn't bank on a major comeback. |
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Gary Trent Woj: Gary Trent Jr. agrees to deal with Bucks
Tue, Jul 16, 2024, 9:26 AM
Adrian Wojnarowski on X
Gary Trent Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal with the Bucks.
Analysis: GTJ will head to Milwaukee after spending the past four seasons with Toronto. With Malik Beasley gone, Trent Jr. will have an opportunity to compete for the starting shooting guard role. However, even if he comes off the bench, he should be a decent source of 3-pointers and steals. |
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MarJon Beauchamp MarJon Beauchamp records double-double in defeat
Sun, Jul 14, 2024, 11:35 AM
MarJon Beauchamp accumulated 19 points (6-of-16 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), 11 rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block, and three 3-pointers in 28 minutes in Sunday's 112-81 loss to the Cavaliers.
Analysis: For the second consecutive game, Beauchamp led the Bucks in scoring. However, there have been some efficiency struggles. In two games, Beauchamp has shot a combined 13-of-34 from the field, and he was responsible for seven turnovers on Sunday. The reported plan was to have Beauchamp play two games, and then an assessment would be made. Given the raw numbers, it's plausible that he's seen his last summer league action, but the efficiency needs to improve. |
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Chris Livingston Chris Livingston finishes defeat with 17 points
Sun, Jul 14, 2024, 11:28 AM
Chris Livingston amassed 17 points (6-of-11 FGs, 2-of-4 FTs), seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, and three 3-pointers in 23 minutes in Sunday's 112-81 loss to the Cavaliers.
Analysis: Livingston, who was not in the Bucks rotation as a rookie, was one of the team's few bright spots on Sunday afternoon. Only MarJon Beauchamp had more points and rebounds, and Livingston efficiently got his numbers. He was also responsible for just one turnover in what was an encouraging individual performance. Cracking Milwaukee's experienced rotation could also be difficult in 2024-25, but Livingston appears better prepared to compete for those minutes than last season. |
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Emoni Bates Tyler Smith tallies 12 points, six boards vs. CHI
Sat, Jul 13, 2024, 12:51 PM
Tyler Smith finished Saturday's 96-89 loss to Chicago with 12 points (5-of-11 FGs), six rebounds, one assist, one block, and two 3-pointers in 20 minutes.
Analysis: A stretch four who played with lottery picks Ron Holland and Matas Buzelis with G League Ignite, Smith was an early-second round pick last month. The perimeter shooting ability was displayed in his summer opener, and Smith played a relatively efficient game. Like Bucks first-round pick AJ Johnson, Smith offers considerable upside that may not be fully realized during his rookie season. He'll be a better option for dynasty leagues than redrafts, as Milwaukee will prioritize its veterans in the franchise's quest for an NBA title. |
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Emoni Bates AJ Johnson scores 13 points in summer debut
Sat, Jul 13, 2024, 12:43 PM
AJ Johnson shot 5-of-15 from the field and 1-of-3 from the foul line in Saturday's loss to the Bulls, amassing 13 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two 3-pointers in 24 minutes.
Analysis: Johnson, the 23rd overall pick in last month's draft, served as Milwaukee's starting point guard on Saturday afternoon. He didn't have a great day shooting the basketball, going 2-of-9 from beyond the arc, but the 19-year-old guard displayed some of the on-ball athleticism that made him a first-round pick. He's more of a project at this stage, especially with the Bucks being able to rely on Damian Lillard at the point, so Johnson will be a better option in dynasty leagues than redrafts. |
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MarJon Beauchamp MarJon Beauchamp scores game-high 22 points vs CHI
Sat, Jul 13, 2024, 12:40 PM
MarJon Beauchamp played 30 minutes in Saturday's 96-89 loss to the Bulls, tallying 22 points (7-of-18 FGs, 6-of-7 FTs), five rebounds, five assists, four steals, one block, and two 3-pointers.
Analysis: After getting limited minutes when healthy last season, Beauchamp has reached a critical point in his young NBA career. He played well in his summer league opener on Saturday, displaying the requisite aggression on both ends of the floor. Beauchamp appeared to be struggling with cramps after the final horn but could walk back to the locker room without assistance. Milwaukee projects an older rotation once the regular season begins, but they'll need a young player like Beauchamp or Andre Jackson Jr. to step up on the wing for depth reasons. |
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Giannis Antetokounmpo scores 23 in OQT triumph
Sun, Jul 7, 2024, 10:20 AM
FIBA on Twitter
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished Sunday's 80-69 win over Croatia with 23 points (8-of-17 FGs, 6-of-10 FTs), eight rebounds, three assists, one steal, one blocked shot, and one 3-pointer in 28 minutes.
Analysis: Greece will participate in the Summer Olympics in men's basketball for the first time since 2008, with Sunday's victory leaving Antetokounmpo in tears. Just as crucial for fantasy managers is that the Bucks star looked healthy throughout the Olympic Qualifying Tournament after missing the entirety of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Pacers with a left soleus strain. Greece slots into Group A in the Paris Olympics, joining Australia, Canada, and Spain |
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Malik Beasley Report: Pelicans interested in Malik Beasley
Fri, Jul 5, 2024, 5:38 PM
HoopsHype
According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Pelicans are interested in potentially signing free agent guard Malik Beasley.
Analysis: According to Scotto, the Pelicans are interested in Beasley as another floor-spacer to place around Zion Williamson. Appearing in 79 games for the Bucks last season, he averaged 2.8 3-pointers while shooting 41.3% from beyond the arc. However, New Orleans is also in the market for a center after losing Jonas Valanciunas in free agency, and addressing that need could take priority over adding another shooter. Dallas was also reportedly interested in adding Beasley, but only if they failed to sign Klay Thompson. |
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Taurean Prince Shams: Bucks to sign Taurean Prince to 1-year pact
Wed, Jul 3, 2024, 11:35 AM
Shams Charania on Twitter
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Bucks are signing Taurean Prince to a one-year deal.
Analysis: Prince was effective last season, appearing in 78 games (49 starts) for the Lakers. In those appearances, he averaged 8.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.8 3-pointers in 27.0 minutes. Prince shot nearly 40% from beyond the arc, and his arrival gives the Bucks another 3-and-D wing to plug into the rotation. |
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Emoni Bates Bucks, Stanley Umude agree to two-way contract
Mon, Jul 1, 2024, 10:18 AM
The Athletic
As first reported by Will Whitson of The Walk Pod, the Bucks have signed Stanley Umude to a two-way contract.
Analysis: After appearing in 25 games throughout two seasons with the Pistons, Umude will move to Milwaukee. He made 24 appearances for Detroit in 2023-24, averaging 5.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.0 3-pointers in 12.8 minutes. Umude shot 45.3% from three last season and has the frame needed to develop into a solid defender. He isn't worth targeting in drafts before the 2024-25 campaign. |
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Delon Wright Woj: Delon Wright agrees to deal with Bucks
Mon, Jul 1, 2024, 6:27 AM
Adrian Wojnarowski on X
Delon Wright has agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Bucks, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Analysis: Wright ended last season with Miami, where he played 14 games after the All-Star break for them. He played a significant role for them in the playoffs due to the amount of injuries the team was dealing with, and now he will head north to join a different contender. Wright will likely fill out the backup point guard minutes behind Damian Lillard, which should mean the end of Patrick Beverley's time with the Bucks. |
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Emoni Bates Milwaukee selects Tyler Smith with pick 33
Thu, Jun 27, 2024, 3:31 PM
The Bucks have selected Tyler Smith with the No. 33 pick in the draft.
Analysis: Smith was one of the prospects who chose the G League Ignite route instead of playing collegiately. He may have been overshadowed by Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland, but Smith still showed out. He played 22 minutes per game and only started twice, but he still averaged 13.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.0 blocks and 1.4 triples per game. The 6'10â lefty showed off his athleticism by throwing down plenty of highlight dunks last season, but his strength is that he's a stretch four. The defense needs work, but he has the athletic tools to develop, and he has already showcased talent as a shot blocker. The Bucks have now added two young, raw prospects in the draft, which is an interesting strategy with an aging team that is looking to contend. Smith likely won't see the floor much this season, but if they invest in him, he could turn into a special player. |
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Emoni Bates Milwaukee adds AJ Johnson with 23rd pick
Wed, Jun 26, 2024, 9:40 PM
The Bucks have selected AJ Johnson with the No. 23 pick in the draft.
Analysis: Having initially committed to play at Texas, Johnson ultimately decided to head to Australia for the 2023-24 season. As part of the NBL's Next Stars program, he appeared in 26 games for the Illawarra Hawks and averaged 2.9 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in just under eight minutes. The 6-foot-4, 167-pound Johnson has some room to fill out physically, and he can be used either on or off the ball. He's an incredibly raw prospect, so it will take some time before he's on anybody's radar in fantasy. Doc Rivers didn't use many young guys after he took over last season, which doesn't bode well for Johnson getting development minutes. However, if he pans out, he has the upside to be a really fun player on both ends of the floor. |
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Brook Lopez Report: MIL exploring trade market for Brook Lopez
Fri, Jun 21, 2024, 4:43 PM
Yahoo Sports
According to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, the Bucks have been looking into the trade market for veteran center Brook Lopez.
Analysis: After their first-round exit at the hands of the Pacers, the Bucks are reportedly open to retooling their roster around stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. As a result, Lopez's name has been discussed concerning his value on the trade market. The veteran center, who turned 36 in April, finished this season as a top 50 player in 9-cat formats and once again ranked among the league leaders in blocked shots. If Lopez were traded, he would undoubtedly land in a spot where he would remain a starter. Remaining in Milwaukee does limit his offensive ceiling, as he's no higher than fourth in the pecking order behind Antetokounmpo, Lillard, and Khris Middleton. |
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Giannis (calf) commits to Olympic qual. tourney
Mon, Jun 3, 2024, 10:06 AM
Marc Stein on Substack
On Saturday, Greece national team coach Vassilis Spanoulis said that Giannis Antetokounmpo (left soleus strain) has committed to playing in next month's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Analysis: Antetokounmpo missed Milwaukee's final three regular season games and the entirety of the team's first-round series against the Pacers due to his calf injury. The Olympic Qualifying Tournament that Greece will participate in does not begin until July 2, but the early commitment is a positive sign regarding Giannis' health. Among the other nations in the six-team event is Slovenia, which Luka Doncic should lead. Four six-team tournaments will be played next month to round out the men's basketball field for the Paris Olympics, with the winner of each advancing. |
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Patrick Beverley Patrick Beverley suspended four games for incident
Thu, May 9, 2024, 8:08 AM
NBA injury report
Patrick Beverley has been issued a four-game suspension ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Analysis: The Bucks guard is being punished after throwing a ball at spectators multiple times during his team's latest loss to the Pacers. He's entering unrestricted free agency and will be forced to sit for the first four games of 2024-25. |
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Thanasis Antetokounmpo Shams: Thanasis Antetokounmpo has torn Achilles
Wed, May 8, 2024, 5:15 PM
Shams Charania on X
Thanasis Antetokounmpo will undergo surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon, per The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Analysis: Antetokounmpo will undergo surgery, which means that he will be sidelined for a while. A specific timeline isn't clear at this point, but he will likely miss time at the beginning of next season. However, that won't impact fantasy basketball whatsoever. |
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Damian Lillard Damian Lillard (Achilles) scores 28 points Thurs.
Thu, May 2, 2024, 3:30 PM
Damian Lillard (right Achilles tendinitis) shot 7-of-16 from the field and 10-of-10 from the foul line in Thursday's 120-98 loss to the Pacers, scoring 28 points with two rebounds, four assists, and four 3-pointers in 35 minutes.
Analysis: Initially doubtful for Game 6 after sitting out Game 5, Lillard led the Bucks in scoring while playing 35 minutes. But that doesn't change that this was a disappointing end to his first season in Milwaukee. While he was not traded until just before the start of training camp, the expectations were high for Lillard regarding fantasy value. Entering the season with a Yahoo ADP of 11.3, he finished as a top 25 player in 8- and 9-cat formats. The Bucks' lack of continuity, with Khris Middleton being limited to 55 regular season games and Adrian Griffin being fired despite a 30-13 start, certainly impacted Lillard's value. An entire offseason should help him and his teammates establish better on-court chemistry, but there's always the possibility of significant changes being made to the roster. |
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Bobby Portis Bobby Portis tallies 20 points, 15 boards in Gm 6
Thu, May 2, 2024, 3:13 PM
Bobby Portis finished Thursday's Game 6 loss to the Pacers with 20 points (8-of-17 FGs, 3-of-7 FTs), 15 rebounds, two assists, and one 3-pointer in 36 minutes.
Analysis: After losing his composure and getting ejected from Game 4, Portis posted solid stat lines in the series' final two games. But it wasn't enough to keep the Bucks alive, as Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence and the team's lack of depth was too much to overcome. Due to his consistent value as a reserve, fantasy managers did not hesitate to use a late-round pick on Portis. Boasting a Yahoo ADP of 113.2, he finished the regular season ranked just outside the top 100 in 9-cat per-game value. The 2024-25 season is the last guaranteed season on Portis' contract, as he has a player option for 2025-26. He should again be a reliable late-round option in standard leagues this fall. |
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