How each semi final team’s free agents can help define the OKC Thunder offseason
Milwaukee Bucks:
Key free agents:
- Eric Bledsoe
- Khris Middleton (Player)
- Brook Lopez
- Malcolm Brogdon (Restricted)
- Nikola Mirotic
Other free agents:
Of the eight teams still playing the Bucks is the lone franchise who took a 3-1 series lead in the semi-finals and are likely to be the first team who’ll cement their Conference Finals ticket. Giannis Antetokounpo has proven a challenging defensive assignment and the team surrounding him is perfectly suited in their design to make Antetokounmpo excel.
If Sam Presti is looking for a template to consider emulating the Bucks may offer the best example. Although the Greek Freak is as his name suggests a freak of nature he is not a perimeter threat. Given Russell Westbrook‘s shooting issues this season it stands to reason the best way to allow Westbrook an opportunity to benefit from his assets would be to surround him with copious efficient perimeter shooters.
Of the Bucks five key free agents four convert over 35.6 percent of their perimeter attempts. Bucks GM Jon Horst set the perfect example for fellow GMs to follow. For example, Horst added Brook Lopez at an economical $3.382 million. Lopez attempted over six triples per game converting at a 35.6 percent efficiency.
The diamond in the group is Malcolm Brogdon who checks off copious boxes like his playmaking skills, is an elite defender and converts 42.6 percent of his 3.8 perimeter attempts per game. Brogdon is unlikely to be headed anywhere however as he is still under his rookie contract and therefore has restricted status.
In a perfect world adding a player like Khris Middleton to pair alongside Westbrook and George would open up the Thunder offense and allow the team and specifically Westbrook an opportunity to utilize his skill set far more effectively. Middleton attempts 6.2 triples per game converting on 37.8 percent. Given Middleton’s playoff success, however, he isn’t a player Presti could pursue unless other moves were made to free up cap space. And, with perimeter shooting being something every team in the Association desires Middleton could be one free agent who ends up getting overpaid even with his talents.
The big takeaway here for Sam Presti is there are economical assets available who fulfill shooting needs and are capable of playing within a system geared toward allowing a superstar to excel.