Nos. 13-15, The Last Lines Of Defense

Between young(ish) players and old heads, the Milwaukee Bucks have an interesting spectrum of players filling out the bottom of their roster heading into the 2022-23 NBA season.

As we continue to rank the Bucks’ roster, we move into nos. 15 through 13 in this edition and touch on two intriguing young(er) guys and one veteran who could be in line for a bounce-back season.

15: Sandro Mamukelashvili

Jersey no. 54; 6-9, 240 pounds, forward-center

Fresh off a First-Team All Summer League honor, Sandro Mamukelashvili will enter the season on a two-way contract for the Bucks. He showed off an interesting blend of offensive skills that consisted of solid playmaking for a big man, great outside shooting, and overall playmaking chops that rivaled guards. That combination allowed him to finish second on the team in points per game (17.0), first in rebounds (8.8) and fourth in assists (2.4).

Despite all of the momentum he’s created this offseason, it’s unlikely he’s able to crack the rotation when the season begins. Head coach Mike Budenholzer is perfectly comfortable going with three big men, a rotation that’s filled by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis when everyone is healthy. Even if there’s an injury to one of those three, Serge Ibaka is probably on deck (more on him in a moment).

However, that doesn’t mean 2022-23 will be a lost season for Mamukelashvili. He’s on a two-way contract and should get plenty of opportunities to improve his game between spending time with the Bucks and playing in the G-League.

14: Jordan Nwora

Jersey no. 13; 6-8, 225 pounds, forward

There’s still a possibility Jordan Nwora doesn’t even begin the season with Milwaukee, as he’s currently only on a restricted free agent tender. Jon Horst talked about wanting the best opportunity for Nwora, while acknowledging it’s a business at the end of the day. That could lead to the third-year pro signing an offer sheet with another team, being traded or ending up back with the Bucks.

He’s proven the ability to get hot in a hurry throughout his short career. At 6-foot-8, he has a quick enough release to offset the low release point and the ability to get his shot off in a hurry. He’s also increased his shot profile in recent years and has a nice tool belt consisting of shooting off the catch, step-backs, and one-dribble jumpers.

It’s his defense that needs improving. He has the size to defend his position, but lacks the lateral quickness it takes to stay in front of them. This had made it difficult for him to stay between his man and the basket, and offensive players often make quick work of him. Defense is much more than a mindset, and it’s safe to wonder if Nwora will be able to develop the skills necessary to earn consistent playing time in Budenholzer’s system.

13: Serge Ibaka

Jersey no. 25; 6-10, 235 pounds, forward

The Bucks acquired Serge Ibaka via trade last season as Brook Lopez, but the seven-footer was able to return to full health, leaving Ibaka glued to a seat on the bench throughout the postseason.

Budenholzer’s preference for a three-man big rotation has already been mentioned, but Ibaka’s level of play didn’t give the Bucks’ head coach any reason to second-guess his strategy. He shot just 35.1 percent from downtown and looked a step slow on defense in 19 games for the Bucks last year.

He’s only slated to turn 33-years-old this season which makes me hold out hope for a bit of a resurgence. He has the defensive pedigree to fill in if one of the top three big men go down for any length of time. His outside shooting will be the defining factor. It has waxed and waned throughout his career, but if he can knock it down at a consistent rate he would be a decent enough fill in guy off the bench.