For the last five seasons, the starting point guard spot in Milwaukee has been filled with star-studded players like Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard. With Lillard out nursing an injury that will keep him on the bench for a significant time next season, the Bucks are in a position to use that time to try to find the heir apparent. Who is available, and which of those players could be your point guard of the future?
Let's break down some candidates.
Markele Fultz
Fultz has had one of the more interesting careers, especially for a number one pick. Fultz was drafted by the Sixers in 2017 but only played there for two seasons before being traded to the Magic. Much of his lack of success was due to having to rebuild his jump shot after a nerve condition in his shoulder and neck caused him to lose his range of motion. This significantly affected how he got the ball over his head to shoot, and the results were a bit awkward.
Despite the strange setback, Fultz was still able to contribute to the Magic, averaging 10.9 points and 4.4 assists per game in his five seasons with the franchise. He then signed with Sacramento last season, where he saw limited playing time. Could the Bucks rejuvenate the former number one pick's career? With the Bucks in a gap season, it might not be a bad idea to take a flyer on a player like Fultz, in hopes you can tap into that potential teams saw back in 2017.
Tre Mann
Last season, Tre Mann of the Charlotte Hornets averaged 14.1 points and three assists per game before ending his season early in November due to a back injury. He's shown flashes in his first six NBA seasons and could be looking for a larger role on his next team. Milwaukee can provide that opportunity. With Kevin Porter Jr.'s future in doubt, there is a chance for Mann to earn starting-level minutes for the Milwaukee Bucks next season.
At just 23 years old, Mann hasn't even begun to enter his prime. The Bucks are in a unique position to offer a player like Mann the room and minutes to grow, and if all goes well, it could be a nice pairing for years to come. He is the type of player many fans would like to see the Bucks take a swing on, especially if someone like KPJ isn't re-signed.
Tre Jones
Tre Jones was traded in February last season from the San Antonio Spurs to the Chicago Bulls. He had a great finish to the season, averaging 11.5 points, 4.9 assists, and a solid 3.2 rebounds. Heading into free agency, he is someone the Milwaukee Bucks should have on their radar to fill potential holes in the backcourt.
The benefit to someone like Jones (or any of these players mentioned) would be the cost. Milwaukee would likely be able to get his services on a minimum-level contract. This leaves the full mid-level exception to use for players like Gary Trent Jr. and other potential free agents who could make an impact next season.
Whether it is Fultz, Mann, Jones, or another more familiar player like Ryan Rollins, this upcoming season provides a great opportunity for the Bucks to develop a young point guard. Figuring out what the future of that position could look like for the Milwaukee Bucks should be a top priority.