Pete Nance Knows What It Takes to Achieve the Next Step with the Bucks

When the Milwaukee Bucks acquired Pete Nance in a mid-season trade, many fans wondered: Who is this guy, and why is he here? Fast forward a few months, and the answer is becoming clear. Nance isn’t just another role player—he’s a versatile forward with the skills, basketball IQ, and work ethic to carve out a meaningful role on a championship-contending team. Whether it’s his defensive versatility, playmaking ability, or clutch shooting, Nance is proving he knows exactly what it takes to help the Bucks reach the next level.

But how did he get here? What makes him such a valuable piece for Milwaukee’s future? And what does his development mean for the Bucks’ title aspirations? Let’s break it down—from his college days at Northwestern to his growing impact in the NBA.

Who Is Pete Nance?

From Northwestern to the NBA: A Unique Path

Pete Nance didn’t take the traditional blue-chip route to the NBA. Unlike many of his peers, he wasn’t a five-star recruit or a one-and-done phenom. Instead, he honed his game at Northwestern University, a program not exactly known as a basketball powerhouse. Yet, by the time he left, he had etched his name into the Wildcats’ record books, becoming one of the most decorated players in program history.

Standing at 6’10” with guard-like skills, Nance was a mismatch nightmare in college. He could stretch the floor with his shooting (career 36% from three), facilitate offense as a secondary playmaker, and switch defensively across multiple positions. His senior year (2021-22) was his breakout campaign, where he averaged 14.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors. Scouts took notice—not for his raw athleticism, but for his basketball IQ, skill set, and adaptability.

Despite going undrafted in 2022, Nance’s potential was too intriguing to ignore. He signed a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he spent most of his rookie season developing in the G League. His perseverance paid off when he earned a standard NBA contract in 2023, and by February 2024, the Bucks saw enough to trade for him—a move that could pay dividends for years to come.

Skills That Translate to the NBA

Nance’s game is built on versatility. Here’s what makes him a perfect fit for moderBA systems, especially Milwaukee’s:

• Stretch Big Potential: Nance shot 38% from three in his final college season and has shown flashes of that same shooting in the NBA. In an era where big meeed to space the floor, his ability to knock down open threes—especially in transition or off kick-outs—adds a new dimension to the Bucks’ offense.
• Playmaking for a Big: His 2.7 assists per game at Northwestern weren’t a fluke. Nance has a knack for making the extra pass, whether it’s out of the post, on the short roll, or as a trailer in transition. This skill is invaluable on a Bucks team that thrives on ball movement.
• Defensive Switchability: At 6’10” with a 7’2” wingspan, Nance can guard multiple positions. He’s quick enough to stay in front of wings and strong enough to battle with traditional bigs. This flexibility is crucial in a league dominated by positionless basketball.
• High Basketball IQ: Nance rarely forces plays or takes bad shots. His decision-making—whether it’s when to shoot, pass, or attack closeouts—is advanced for a young player. This maturity is why coaches trust him in critical moments.

These skills don’t just make Nance a rotational player; they make him a scheme-proof piece who can fit alongside any lineup. For a Bucks team that already has superstars in Giais Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, adding a high-IQ, two-way player like Nance could be the key to unlocking their full potential.

Why Nance Is the Perfect Fit for the Bucks

Filling a Critical Role

The Bucks’ 2023-24 season exposed a glaring need: reliable depth at the forward spots. While Giais does it all, the team often struggled when he sat, particularly in terms of playmaking and floor spacing. Nance addresses both issues.

Here’s how he complements Milwaukee’s core:

• Secondary Playmaking: With Lillard and Jrue Holiday (before his trade) handling most of the creation, Nance provides another facilitator who can keep the offense humming when the stars rest. His ability to initiate offense from the elbow or high post adds unpredictability.
• Floor Spacing: The Bucks ranked in the bottom half of the league in three-point percentage last season. Nance’s shooting—while still developing—gives defenses one more threat to account for, opening driving lanes for Giais and Lillard.
• Small-Ball Five Potential: In today’s NBA, the ability to play a stretch five in closing lineups is a luxury. Nance’s mobility and shooting allow Coach Adrian Griffin to experiment with ultra-versatile lineups, especially in playoff series where matchups dictate rotations.

Defensive Upside

While offense gets the headlines, Nance’s defensive potential might be his most exciting trait. The Bucks’ defense, once a hallmark of their championship run, slipped to middle-of-the-pack last season. Nance’s ability to switch, close out on shooters, and protect the rim in spurts could help restore that elite defensive identity.

His 7’2” wingspan and lateral quickness allow him to:

• Guard wings on the perimeter without getting blown by.
• Switch onto guards in pick-and-roll coverage.
• Provide weak-side rim protection when playing as a small-ball five.

For a team that often relied on Brook Lopez’s rim protection, Nance offers a different but equally valuable defensive skill set—one that could be crucial in playoff series against teams like the Celtics or Nuggets, who thrive on versatility.

Culture and Work Ethic

Beyond the box score, Nance brings intangibles that every championship team needs. Teammates and coaches consistently praise his work ethic, professionalism, and willingness to do the dirty work. In a locker room led by Giais—one of the hardest workers in the league—that culture fit is invaluable.

His humility is also refreshing. Despite his college accolades, Nance didn’t sulk when he went undrafted or when he was buried on Cleveland’s depth chart. Instead, he focused on improvement, earning his way into the rotation through sheer persistence. That mindset is exactly what the Bucks need as they push for another title.

Nance’s Path to a Bigger Role

Summer Development Goals

Nance’s rookie season was about adjusting to NBA speed and physicality. Now, with a full offseason in Milwaukee, he has clear areas to refine:

1. Consistency from Three: Nance shot 33% from deep in limited NBA minutes last season—a respectable number, but one he’ll need to improve to earn more playing time. A reliable three-point shot would make him a nightmare to guard in lineups with Giais and Lillard.
2. Strength and Conditioning: Adding muscle will help him finish through contact and hold his own against bigger forwards. The NBA’s physicality is a jump from college, and extra strength will make him more effective as a small-ball five.
3. Defensive Reactions: While his tools are elite, Nance sometimes hesitates on closeouts or help rotations. Sharpening his instincts will make him a true two-way weapon.
4. Chemistry with Giais and Lillard: The more he plays with Milwaukee’s stars, the better he’ll understand where they like the ball and how to complement their games. Offseason pick-up games and training camp will be crucial here.

Opportunities in the Rotation

The Bucks’ frontcourt is crowded, but there’s a clear path for Nance to earn minutes. With Brook Lopez aging and Bobby Portis’ contract expiring in 2025, Nance could see his role expand as early as next season. Here’s how:

• Backup Power Forward: Behind Giais, Nance could log 15-20 minutes per game as a stretch four who provides playmaking and defense.
• Small-Ball Five: In lineups where the Bucks go ultra-small (e.g., Lillard, Beasley, Middleton, Giais, Nance), he could play the five, offering switchability and spacing.
• Closure Lineups: If he improves his three-point shooting, Nance could earn crunch-time minutes as a floor-spacer and secondary creator.

His versatility means Coach Griffin can get creative. Imagine a lineup with Lillard, Beasley, Middleton, Giais, and Nance—that’s a group that can score in transition, switch everything defensively, and space the floor for Giais’ drives.

Comparisons to Other “Late Bloomers”

Nance’s trajectory resembles other players who took time to develop but eventually became key contributors:

• P.J. Tucker: Like Nance, Tucker went undrafted and spent years grinding in the G League and overseas before becoming a coveted 3-and-D wing.
• Bruce Brown: Brown was a second-round pick who developed into a two-way starter for the Nuggets’ championship team. His versatility and hustle mirror Nance’s game.
• Grant Williams: Williams wasn’t a lottery pick, but his shooting, defense, and IQ earned him a starting role on the Celtics and a big contract with the Mavericks.

If Nance follows a similar path, the Bucks could have a long-term starter on their hands—one who fits perfectly alongside their superstars.

What’s Next for Nance and the Bucks?

2024-25 Season Outlook

Expect Nance to enter next season with a defined role—likely as the primary backup to Giais at power forward, with minutes also coming at center in small-ball lineups. If he shoots above 35% from three and continues to make smart plays, he could see 20+ minutes per game.

Key stats to watch:

• Three-Point Percentage: Anything above 36% would solidify his place in the rotation.
• Assist Rate: If he averages 2+ assists per game, it’ll show his playmaking is translating.
• Defensive Rating: A sub-110 defensive rating (elite territory) would prove he’s a net-positive defender.

Playoff Impact

The regular season is one thing, but the playoffs are where role players like Nance make their mark. Here’s how he could swing a series:

• Matchup Hunter: Against teams with stretch fours (e.g., Jayson Tatum, Pascal Siakam), Nance’s mobility could be a game-changer.
• Small-Ball Lineups: If the Bucks face a team like the Warriors or Suns, Nance’s ability to play the five in ultra-small lineups could create mismatches.
• Clutch Minutes: His shooting and decision-making could earn him trust in late-game situations, especially if he proves he won’t shrink in big moments.

Remember: The Bucks’ 2021 championship run was fueled by role players like Portis, Pat Coaughton, and Bryn Forbes stepping up in key moments. Nance has the skill set to be that guy in 2025.

Long-Term Future

Nance is under team control for the next few seasons, giving the Bucks a cost-controlled asset with upside. If he develops as hoped, he could:

• Earn a long-term extension as a core piece of the Bucks’ future.
• Become a trade chip if Milwaukee needs to consolidate assets for another star.
• Develop into a starting-caliber forward if his shooting and defense reach another level.

Given the Bucks’ win-now timeline, Nance’s growth could be the difference between a good team and a title contender.

How Bucks Fans Should View Nance

Temper Expectations—but Be Excited

Nance isn’t going to average 20 points per game next season, nor should he. But what he can do is provide the Bucks with something they’ve lacked in recent years: a young, versatile, two-way forward who fits seamlessly alongside their stars.

Think of him as a high-floor, high-ceiling player. His floor is a reliable rotational piece who contributes in multiple areas. His ceiling? A starter on a championship team.

What to Watch For

As the 2024-25 season unfolds, keep an eye on:

• His three-point shooting in catch-and-shoot situations. If he’s hitting at a 37%+ clip, the Bucks’ offense becomes much harder to guard.
• His chemistry with Giais in two-man actions. Pick-and-pop, dribble hand-offs, and short-roll passes could become deadly.
• His defensive assignments. If he’s guarding the opponent’s best wing or switching onto guards, it’s a sign the coaching staff trusts him.

Why He’s a Fan Favorite in the Making

Beyond the stats, Nance is the kind of player fans love:

• He’s humble and hardworking—no flash, just substance.
• He does the little things—diving for loose balls, setting screens, making the extra pass.
• He embodies the “underestimated” narrative that Bucks fans adore (see: Coaughton, Portis, Wesley Matthews).

In a league where personality often overshadows production, Nance is a throwback—a player who lets his game speak for itself. That’s a recipe for fan appreciation in Milwaukee.

Conclusion: The Bucks’ Secret Weapon?

When the Bucks traded for Pete Nance, it wasn’t a splashy move. There were no press conferences, no viral highlights, no immediate fanfare. But sometimes, the best acquisitions are the ones that fly under the radar—players who don’t need the spotlight to make an impact.

Nance is that kind of player. He’s not here to be the star; he’s here to do the things that help stars shine brighter. Whether it’s knocking down open threes, making the right pass, or switching onto the opponent’s best player, he fills a role the Bucks desperately need.

As Milwaukee gears up for another title run, keep an eye on #22. Pete Nance might not be a household name yet, but he knows what it takes to achieve the next step with the Bucks—and he’s just getting started.

Buckle up, Bucks fans. The best is yet to come.