Bucks GM believes team is set with 6-man nucleus for the future
A core of six players all under the age of 25 is what Milwaukee Bucks general manager John Hammond is banking on to take his team to the promised land.
"We’re trying to build around some kind of consistency with the nucleus of Michael Carter-Williams, Khris Middleton, Jabari Parker, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greg Monroe, and John Henson," Hammond said during a recent appearance on "The Baseline Podcast."
"Those six guys are the young core that we look and say that’s kinda the future of this organization, and that’s not discounting anyone else. Other players have to step and become a part of that group with us. But those guys are the group we hope we can build some kind of continuity with."
By re-signing Middleton and luring Monroe away from the Motor City on a max deal, Hammond's offseason has to be considered a major success, having strengthened a roster that won its most games (41) since 2010.
ESPN ranked Milwaukee's core as the No. 1 young group in the NBA, basing the prognosis on the team's projected three-year WARP (Wins Above Replacement Player).
Parker, who was selected with the second overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, missed all but 25 games during the regular season after tearing his ACL against the Phoenix Suns on Dec. 15. He recently showed off his hops against a group of overmatched children, providing fans with some optimism regarding his rehab. Hammond said he's going to ease the Duke alumnus back into the swing of things upon his return to action, though.
It remains to be seen whether the GM will be able to keep this core intact for the long haul, as seemingly everyone will be looking to cash in when the NBA's salary cap reaches record highs.
Antetokoumpo will be in line for a big payday in 2017, while Monroe can turn down his player option and become an unrestricted free agent that summer. Middleton's declining contract will give Hammond some wiggle room to strike some deals, at least.
- With h/t to Brew Hoop