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NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the Milwaukee Bucks

By Jeremy Lambert

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 26: Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks runs across the court in the first quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Bradley Center on April 26, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jabari Parker
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 26: Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks runs across the court in the first quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Bradley Center on April 26, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jabari Parker /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 27: Ed Davis #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 27: Ed Davis #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

5. Ed Davis

The Bucks spent all season searching for a serviceable front court player. They were so desperate that they traded for Tyler Zeller. That worked about as well as you’d expect. John Henson and Thon Maker are athletic centers who fit the mold of Milwaukee’s “all the arms” philosophy, but they both come with significant limitations.

Ed Davis is known as one of the best glue guys in the NBA. He doesn’t offer much in terms of scoring, averaging just 6.6 point per game in his career. But he’s averaged at least seven rebounds a game in three of the last four seasons. Given Milwaukee’s rebounding weakness, seven rebounds may as well be 14.

Along with his rebounding, Davis is a good defender. Mike Budenholzer’s most important job this season will be unlocking the defensive potential in Milwaukee. Having a low-maintenance defender like Davis would help. He could be used as a small ball center alongside Antetokounmpo or as a power forward, depending on the matchup. On top of his defense and rebounding, he sets a mean screen. 

That’s just what he provides on the court. Damian Lillard spoke highly of Davis and his leadership prior to the trade deadline, when it looked like the Blazers forward could be moved. Furthermore, Davis has a relationship with Henson. The two played one season together during their time at UNC.

Davis is an unrestricted free agent who could take the mid-level exception to play for a team like Milwaukee. He’d get guaranteed minutes as the backup power forward or center. If the Bucks truly want to shore up their frontcourt, Davis should be at the top of their list.

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