Isaiah Thomas. Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Former MVP candidate offers his services to Bucks

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 9/27/23

The Milwaukee Bucks have changed the landscape of the NBA. Adding Damian Lillard to a rotation that also includes Giannis Antetokounmpo has shaken the entire basketball world. Yet, by making the trade, Milwaukee has gutted its guard depth. Jrue Holiday was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the deal.

Currently, the franchise doesn't have a recognized point guard behind Lillard. However, former MVP candidate Isaiah Thomas has thrown his hat into the ring. The veteran guard has been a free agent since leaving the Charlotte Hornets in 2022. Thomas hasn't officially retired from the NBA.

In a post on X, Thomas quoted a post depicting the Bucks roster after the trade. The former Boston Celtics star questioned whether Milwaukee is seeking a backup guard.

Need a backup?? https://t.co/Tm5KrVNNMt
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) September 27, 2023

During his career year in 2016-17, he averaged 28.9 points per game and came in fifth in MVP voting. Thomas, 34, no longer possesses the explosive first step that made him an elite scorer in the NBA.

The veteran guard also struggles to get the necessary lift on his jump shot. However, Thomas could offer some offensive upside when attacking out of the pick-and-roll or creating offense for others. Yet, with a lack of speed and a reputation as a defensive liability, there's little reason the Bucks would be interested.

The Bucks are in "win now" mode following their addition of Lillard. Any addition the front office makes will be expected to produce at both ends of the floor. Still, at this late juncture of the summer, Milwaukee's options for a backup guard are limited. Thomas would bring deep playoff experience to Milwaukee's bench and could provide a solid scoring punch — if he was used correctly.

Thomas clearly wants a way back into the NBA. Yet the Bucks might not be the best spot for him. Nevertheless, the veteran guard is a viable option to provide some backup ball-handling behind Lillard if the coaches are confident they can hide him on defense. A championship is the goal, after all.

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