Shabazz Muhammad was buried on Tom Thibodeau’s bench last season in Minnesota and wanted out so he could get on the court — and he got his wish. Sort of. He was waived by the Timberwolves and a few days later signed with the Bucks. The problem was he only played 117 minutes the rest of the season in Milwaukee, mostly taking on the role of an unrepentant gunner in the chances he did get on the court.
It worked well enough that the Bucks are bringing Muhammad back for training camp, where he will try to grab the last roster spot.
Free agent Shabazz Muhammad has agreed to a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 14, 2018
Shabazz Muhammad and the Bucks are working on a deal — it's close, but not officially done — that would bring him back to Milwaukee to compete for a roster spot during training camp, per source.
— Matt Velazquez (@Matt_Velazquez) August 14, 2018
The Bucks have 14 guaranteed contracts, plus the non-guaranteed deal of Tyler Zeller (and with Brook Lopez, John Henson, and Thon Maker on the roster it’s hard to imagine Zeller getting a lot of run). It is possible someone can beat Zeller out at a position of more need, such as on the wing (where Muhammad plays).
But is Muhammad the guy who can make this squad?
The Bucks hired Mike Budenholzer as coach this summer, and what does he want in players? Guys who can shoot the three, are unselfish, and can defend. Muhammad is a career 31 percent shooter from three who wants to attack off the dribble — last season 72 percent of his shot attempts came within 10 feet of the rim. He’s not a passer — a career 5.5 assist rate — and he’s not much of a defender.
That said, he’s got an invite to camp and is going to get his chance.
