Former EuroLeague Star Luca Vildoza, Bucks Reportedly Expected to Finalize Contract
Apr 5, 2022
Argentina's Luca Vildoza (17) drives up court during a men's basketball quarterfinal round game against Australia at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Milwaukee Bucks will reportedly have some more depth in their backcourt for the playoffs.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported free-agent guard Luca Vildoza, who previously played in the EuroLeague and was the MVP of the 2020 Spanish ACB League finals, is expected to finalize a deal with the reigning champions and be activated for the playoffs.
Vildoza previously appeared set to play in the NBA when he signed with the New York Knicks in May after negotiating a contract buyout with Baskonia of the Spanish ACB League, but he was released before the start of the 2021-22 campaign because of a foot injury that required surgery.
Wojnarowski reported he is now fully recovered and can take the floor.
Vildoza appeared in 27 games during the 2020-21 Spanish ACB League and averaged 10.9 points, 3.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 35.5 percent from deep.
He also appeared in four games for Argentina's national team during the 2020 Olympics and averaged 7.0 points, 3.0 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals a night. He also played eight games for Argentina during the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
While Vildoza likely won't play a significant role for the Bucks, he is someone who can hit from three-point range and take advantage of the spacing created by all the defensive attention that Giannis Antetokounmpo draws.
Milwaukee is in a battle for seeding in the Eastern Conference at 48-30. It is 2.5 games behind the top-seeded Miami Heat, 0.5 games behind the second-seeded Boston Celtics and tied with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Next up for the Bucks is a Tuesday matchup with the Chicago Bulls in a potential playoff preview.
Bucks Clinch NBA Playoff Spot Behind Giannis' 44-Point Effort in Win over Nets
Apr 1, 2022
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) talks with Khris Middleton (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
The defending champions are back in the postseason.
The Milwaukee Bucks clinched a spot in the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season with a 120-119 overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.
The Bucks also needed a loss by the Cleveland Cavaliers to clinch Thursday, and the Cavs fell to the Atlanta Hawks 131-107.
Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 44 points with 14 rebounds to secure the victory over Brooklyn, his second consecutive 40-point game.
Giannis last 2 games
At Sixers: — 40/14/6 — 67 FG% — Game-clinching block — W
At Nets: — 44/14/6 — 67 FG% — Game-tying three to send to OT — Game-winning FTs in OT — W
While the playoffs were never really a question for a Milwaukee squad that has bigger goals, it deserves plenty of credit for navigating some of the ups and downs of the season. Brook Lopez suffered a back injury in the season opener, Pat Connaughton suffered a fractured finger, and the depth of the role players has been a significant concern.
At the All-Star break, ESPN noted the Bucks played 24 different starting lineups through the first 60 games alone.
Yet the presence of the Big Three of Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton means they are legitimate contenders no matter who is surrounding them on the floor.
Antetokounmpo is arguably the best player in the game ,as he is unstoppable attacking the basket, can control the glass, is an elite-level defender at times and can facilitate if needed. There is a reason he is a two-time MVP, and he will be the focal point throughout the playoffs.
Middleton is the secondary scorer who can stretch the floor and take advantage of openings when opponents double Antetokounmpo, while Holiday is the calming presence who controls the tempo of the game but can also score himself or distribute while providing solid perimeter defense.
Thanks in large part to the presence of those three players—and the fact the Bucks just broke through for their first championship since 1970-71—it is once again title-or-bust expectations for the team.
The path may be more difficult this time around, too, considering Kyrie Irving missed the last three games of the second round for the Nets last season and the Atlanta Hawks weren't exactly a juggernaut in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Milwaukee will also get every team's best shot as the defending champion facing a loaded Eastern Conference field that includes presumed contenders in the Philadelphia 76ers, Nets, Miami Heat and Boston Celtics.
Every round could be difficult, but this team already proved it can navigate the pressure-packed moments on this stage with last season's championship run.
Highlights of Antetokounmpo's 2021 NBA Finals performance will play when he's eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame. Now he has the chance to add another ring to his resume as the Bucks attempt to become the first team to win back-to-back championships since the Golden State Warriors did so in 2017 and 2018.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Out for Bucks vs. Timberwolves With Knee Injury
Mar 19, 2022
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks has his right hand looked at during the first half of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum on January 19, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bucks defeated the Grizzlies 126-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks announced that superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will not play Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to right knee soreness.
Antetokounmpo is rapidly building a
Hall of Fame resume, and he's put himself in contention for a third
NBA MVP Award during the 2021-22 season. He's averaged 29.8 points,
11.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.4 blocks through 59 appearances.
Injuries are the one thing that's
slowed the 27-year-old Greece native down at times. He's dealt with
knee, ankle, calf and quad ailments, but nothing that's kept him on
the sideline for an extended period. He's also spent time in
the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
All signs point toward Saturday essentially being a rest day for Giannis rather than him dealing with a significant issue.
Since the playoffs are quickly approaching, head coach Mike Budenholzer is likely hoping to keep Antetokounmpo as fresh and healthy as possible.
Luckily for the Bucks, they have no shortage of depth in their frontcourt and should have enough firepower to remain competitive against a tough T-Wolves team.
Bobby Portis and Serge Ibaka are the top candidates to receive a bump in playing time Saturday at the center or power forward spots, while Brook Lopez could see his workload increased as well after recently returning from a back injury that kept him out since October.
Additionally, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday will be called upon to increase their scoring output.
Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving drives past Milwaukee Bucks' Wesley Matthews during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 126-123 on Saturday at Fiserv Forum to improve to 32-29.
In the Bucks' first game back from the All-Star break, they showed signs of life after losing three of four. However, the efforts of Bobby Portis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton were not enough.
It was an impressive win for Brooklyn, which is still without Kevin Durant because of his knee injury. The team was also without Ben Simmons, who has yet to make his season debut as he ramps up activity following a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers.
This win was a good sign for the Nets. However, they'll need Durant and Simmons to return to have any hope of making a deep run in the playoffs.
Impressive Effort from Nets Proves They Are Still Contenders
If anything, Saturday's game proved that the Nets can still be contenders in the Eastern Conference despite their recent struggles.
Kyrie Irving, who hadn't played in two weeks, had one of his best games of the season, finishing with 38 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Seth Curry and Andre Drummond looked more than comfortable since coming over in a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers.
The trio's success only highlighted how much success Brooklyn can potentially have once fully healthy. Durant, who remains sidelined with a sprained MCL, is expected to return this week, which will only help the team moving forward.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Durant could return as soon as Monday against the Toronto Raptors. It all comes down to the veteran telling the franchise he's ready to play, Wojnarowski added.
In addition, the Nets are still without Simmons, who continues to ramp up activity following his move from the 76ers. According to Wojnarowski, Simmons won't return in the coming week. His timeline to return is unclear.
But once the Nets are healthy and have a lineup that includes Irving, Durant, Simmons, Curry and Drummond, they'll once again be one of the most difficult teams to play against in the league.
Bobby Portis' Effort Not Enough for Bucks
Portis had quite the night for the Bucks. So much so that the crowd was cheering loudly every time he touched the ball in the fourth quarter.
The 27-year-old finished with 30 points and 12 rebounds. He also set a new career high with eight three-pointers made, but his efforts were not enough to help Milwaukee hold off a late push from the Nets.
However, Portis' performance shouldn't necessarily come as a surprise. He has played at a high level throughout the 2021-22 season as he continues to fill in for the injured Brook Lopez at center.
Portis entered Saturday's game averaging a career-best 15.3 points and 9.1 rebounds, in addition to shooting 48.2 percent from the floor and 40.2 percent from deep.
Portis has also made the most starts of his career this year, and he is certainly proving to be one of the most reliable players for Mike Budenholzer down the stretch. Some even thought he was worthy of an All-Star selection this year, and after his performance Saturday, it certainly seems like he was snubbed.
With Lopez out indefinitely for the Bucks, Portis will continue to be one of Milwaukee's biggest players alongside Antetokounmpo, Holiday and Middleton.
If Milwaukee hopes to repeat as NBA champion, Portis will need to continue serving as the missing piece to the puzzle.
What's Next?
The Bucks will host the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, while the Nets will host the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center.
NBA Rumors: Tyreke Evans to Work Out for Bucks After Having Suspension Lifted
Feb 26, 2022
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 17: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics on April 17, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
Free-agent guard Tyreke Evans is set to work out for the Milwaukee Bucks in the coming days, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
After three-year suspension from NBA, former Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans will meet with the reigning champions: pic.twitter.com/YQdHf6QbSA
Charania noted the Bucks have room for Evans with one open spot on their roster.
Evans has not appeared in an NBA game since the 2018-19 season because of a suspension for violating the league's Anti-Drug Program in 2019.
Last week, the NBA and National Basketball Players Association announced that Evans had been reinstated and would be free to sign with a team.
Evans broke into the NBA in 2009 as the No. 4 pick in the draft by the Sacramento Kings. It seemed as though he was destined for stardom, as he was named Rookie of the Year after averaging 20.1 points, 5.8 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.
His scoring, rebounding and steals numbers turned out to be career highs, though, as he never returned to that level.
Still, Evans was a productive player for much of his career, playing for the Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies and Indiana Pacers over 10 seasons.
Most recently, Evans appeared in 69 games and made 18 starts for the Pacers in 2018-19. He put up 10.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per contest with 38.9 percent shooting, all career lows.
Just one year earlier, however, Evans had enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career.
In 52 games for the Grizz, including 32 starts, Evans averaged 19.4 points, 5.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals and a career-high 2.2 three-pointers.
Evans was also efficient, shooting 45.2 percent from the floor and a career-best 39.9 percent from beyond the arc.
If the 32-year-old Evans can channel that level of play for the Bucks or any other team, he would be a big-time contributor down the stretch and perhaps into the playoffs.
Provided the reigning champion Bucks sign Evans after his workout, he could take on the role vacated by Pat Connaughton, who is out for at least the next few weeks after undergoing surgery on his right hand.
Along with Grayson Allen, Deandre' Bembry, Wesley Matthews, Jevon Carter, Jordan Nwora, Bobby Portis and Serge Ibaka, Evans would provide solid depth in support of stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton.
Giannis on Bucks Being Overlooked in NBA Title Conversation: 'Nobody Cares About Us'
Feb 25, 2022
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo during the NBA All-Star game in Cleveland, Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Giannis Antetokounmpo thinks the rest of the NBA world is indifferent about the Milwaukee Bucks in their quest to win a second straight championship.
Speaking to ESPN's Malika Andrews (starts at :05 mark), Antetokounmpo said "nobody cares about us" when asked if there was an advantage to flying under the radar for the Bucks.
The Bucks have been going through the motions for most of the season, due in part to a number of key players missing extended periods of time.
Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton have all missed at least 11 games. Pat Connaughton and Bobby Portis are the only players on the roster who have appeared in at least 51 of the team's 60 games.
Bucks general manager Jon Horst did take steps to supplement the roster at the trade deadline. The team added Serge Ibaka from the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a four-team deal on Feb. 10.
Per FanDuel Sportsbook, Milwaukee currently has the fourth-best title odds at +650 (bet $100 to win $650). The Golden State Warriors (+410), Phoenix Suns (+410) and Brooklyn Nets (+600) are ahead of the defending champs.
Despite not having their core together as frequently as they would like, the Bucks are currently the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 36-24 record. They rank ninth in the NBA in net rating (plus-3.4), per Basketball-Reference.com.
The Bucks aren't in a much different position now than they were at this point last season. They were 37-23 through 60 games and went on to finish third in the Eastern Conference.
Milwaukee went on to defeat the Miami Heat, Nets, Atlanta Hawks and Suns in the playoffs en route to winning the franchise's second championship.
As long as the Bucks have Antetokounmpo, Holiday and Middleton on the court in the playoffs, they are capable of beating any team in the NBA.
Antetokounmpo is in the midst of an MVP-caliber season. The 27-year-old is second in the league in scoring (29.4 points per game), tied for seventh in rebounding (11.2) and is averaging a career high in assists (6.0).
After an eight-day All-Star break, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will return to the court on Saturday when they host the Nets at Fiserv Forum.
Jevon Carter to Sign with Bucks After Being Released by Nets in Goran Dragic Move
Feb 22, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 08: Jevon Carter #0 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on February 08, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
Jevon Carter will sign with the Milwaukee Bucks, his agents told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Brooklyn Nets announced Tuesday they signed Goran Dragic and requested waivers on Carter in order to open a roster spot for Dragic. Per Wojnarowski, Carter will formally join Milwaukee on Wednesday once he clears waivers.
Coincidentally, the Bucks were among the interested suitors for Dragic after the San Antonio Spurs bought him out of his contract. The reigning champions sacrificed some of their backcourt depth when they sent Donte DiVincenzo to the Sacramento Kings as part of a four-team trade for Serge Ibaka.
Now, Carter will be arriving to help fill the void. The 26-year-old, a second-round pick of the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2018 NBA draft, has been solid in a backup role through four seasons.
He's averaging 15.2 points and 4.7 assists per 100 possessions across his career, according to Basketball Reference. He's also a 36.9 percent shooter from beyond the arc, though his 33.1 percent clip this year is on pace to be a personal low.
Dragic represented the best of what has so far been a lackluster buyout market. Perhaps more options will emerge over the second half, but the Bucks, who are fifth in the Eastern Conference at 36-24, couldn't afford to waste any time.
Carter is a low-cost solution to address a clear area of need.
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: Allen Iverson is Reason I Started Playing Basketball
Feb 21, 2022
CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the Taco Bell Skills Challenge as part of 2022 NBA All Star Weekend on February 19, 2022 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo had a long conversation with Hall of Famer Allen Iverson ahead of the 2022 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, and the "Greek Freak" told the legendary shooter that he started playing basketball because of him.
This isn't the first time Antetokounmpo has discussed his love for Iverson, either. In 2019, the two-time MVP said that when he was a kid living in Greece, he would go to an internet cafe and pay to use a computer just to watch Iverson's highlights.
While Antetokounmpo is much bigger than Iverson, he does have some guard-like skills similar to those of the former Philadelphia 76ers star.
The veteran is lethal on the fast break and can get to the basket with ease. He also has developed a nice crossover, especially for a big man. And like Iverson in his prime, Antetokounmpo is currently one of the best players in the NBA.
The 27-year-old is once again in the MVP conversation amid another impressive season in which he's averaging 29.4 points, 11.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists while shooting 54.7 percent from the floor and 30.9 percent from deep in 49 games.
The play of Antetokounmpo has the Bucks fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 36-24 record. Milwaukee is just 2.5 games behind the first-place Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls, who are tied for the top spot.
Antetokounmpo was one of only many kids that idolized Iverson growing up. The Sixers drafted Iverson first overall in 1996 and went on to be the Rookie of the Year, an 11-time All-Star, four-time scoring champion, three-time steal champion and two-time All-Star MVP. He was also named MVP during the 2000-01 season and made the Hall of Fame.
In 914 games, Iverson averaged 26.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists while shooting 42.5 percent from the floor and 31.3 percent from deep.
Giannis Praises Ja Morant's Improvement: 'He's Having an Unbelievable Year'
Feb 19, 2022
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 04: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the game at FedExForum on March 04, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was highly complimentary of Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant during an NBA All-Star Weekend press conference Saturday in Cleveland.
Giannis lauded Morant's improvement since entering the league and suggested Ja could eventually lead the Grizzlies to a championship:
Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo on Grizzlies’ Ja Morant: “He’s improved with every single year. He’s having an unbelievable year this year, crazy. I know that he’s a very humble kid. I know he works extremely hard. Why not? Why can’t he win a championship in Memphis?” pic.twitter.com/9eI0ZBJmDX
Morant, who was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2020 after going No. 2 overall in the 2019 draft, is making his All-Star Game debut Sunday.
After averaging what was then a career-high 19.1 points per game last season, Morant has raised his game to an elite level this season, averaging 26.8 points per game to go along with 6.9 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 three-pointers made and 1.2 steals per contest.
Morant has also been more efficient than ever, shooting 49.5 percent from the field and 33.0 percent from beyond the arc.
While the 22-year-old somewhat surprisingly led the Grizzlies to the playoffs last season as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, the team has grown by leaps and bounds this season.
With a record of 41-19, the Grizzlies have the third-best mark in the NBA and are the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, making them legitimate championship contenders.
Giannis knows a thing or two about playing top-flight basketball and winning championships, as he is a two-time NBA MVP and won NBA Finals MVP last season en route to the Bucks winning a title.
Since the Bucks are in a virtual tie for third in the Eastern Conference, a Bucks vs. Grizzlies NBA Finals isn't outside the realm of possibility.
First, they will go head to head in Sunday's All-Star Game when Giannis and Team LeBron face Morant and Team Durant.
Goran Dragic Rumors: Bucks 'Aggressive' in Pursuit of PG After Spurs Buyout
Feb 18, 2022
TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 25: Goran Dragic #1 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket during the game against the Chicago Bulls on October 25, 2021 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks have been "aggressive" in pursuit of free-agent point guard Goran Dragic after the San Antonio Spurs bought the veteran out.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the latest on the Bucks' buyout plans in a conversation with Malika Andrews on NBA Today:
He's spending this week talking with teams about where he might like to sign and foremost on that list: the Milwaukee Bucks, who have great need in the backcourt.
They traded Donte DiVincenzo in the deal with the [Sacramento] Kings, they lost Pat Connaughton to an injury for about a month, and so they need guard depth.
"There's an opportunity for Goran Dragic to come in, play some meaningful minutes for the Bucks and certainly have a chance to have a run in the playoffs.
But the [Chicago] Bulls are competing for him, the [Los Angeles] Clippers, the [Brooklyn] Nets, the [Los Angeles Lakers] have tried to be involved in this, but Dragic is closer to a decision.
But Milwaukee's been aggressive and they can offer him not just a chance at being part of the defending champions, but a chance to play a pretty significant role.
And I think that's really been their sole sell to him—[head coach] Mike Budenholzer, Jon Horst, their GM—as they've talked to him this week.
Dragic, a 14-year NBA veteran, played in five games for the Toronto Raptors this year before leaving the team to tend to a personal matter. In his previous season, Dragic posted 13.4 points and 4.4 assists in 26.7 minutes per game for the Miami Heat.
Dragic arrived in Toronto as part of the Kyle Lowry deal last August, and he was traded to the Spurs prior to the Feb. 10 deadline this year. The Spurs bought him out four days later.
There's certainly room on the backcourt depth chart for him to carve out decent playing time in Milwaukee. In addition to DiVincenzo's departure and Connaughton's fractured finger, which will sideline him for about four weeks, the Bucks have also been without George Hill since late January with neck soreness.
Clearly, the Bucks need more backcourt help, and Dragic is a logical choice to fill that gap. However, as Wojnarowski noted, there isn't a shortage of interest in the 35-year-old, so Milwaukee could be in for a fight to sign him for the stretch run.
