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Milwaukee Bucks: Five former players that would have helped this team

By Dylan Carter

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 06: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks works against Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a game at Fiserv Forum on February 06, 2020 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 06: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks works against Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a game at Fiserv Forum on February 06, 2020 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

1. Monta Ellis

A forgotten player of his era drafted in 2005, combo guard Monta Ellis had a 12-year run in the NBA before teetering off. At his best, he was a polarizing two-guard with a tendency to agitate opponents by shiting them around with his exquisite handles on one end and picking their pocket on the other. On the other end of the spectrum, Ellis took a lot of shots that he probably shouldn’t have and oftentimes had tunnel-vision as a scorer

Despite his shortcomings tendencies, Ellis was a fine player at 6-foot-3 with blistering speed and unparalleled confidence. His ability to create distance to get shots off at three different levels is something the Bucks would greatly benefit from. Though he got beat off the dribble at times and didn’t have the most brawny build, Ellis was great at generating steals and getting out on the fastbreak.

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If he could buy-in as a complementary piece instead of trying to run the show, Ellis would make an excellent secondary ball-handler to Giannis and point guard Eric Bledsoe. Defenders are naturally drawn toward the paint with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way which would give Ellis better spacing than he’s ever had before.

At his best, Ellis used his scoring threat to dish off five or six dimes per night. Having that additional presence at the two-guard that could initiate sets, score at will and dish off to shooters would put this Bucks team over the top.

Though he only played 103 games in Milwaukee, Ellis is remembered for helping that Bucks break a two-year playoff drought by serving as an on-court leader and go-to scorer. However, he never really got the chance to play for a legitimate playoff contender. He only played in 38 playoff games in his career for teams that didn’t have a true shot at going on a title run.

Given the opportunity, Ellis would buy-in to a team setting and help these Bucks win the title after posting the best record in the league this season.

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