Reacting to Jordan Nwora being selected by the Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks made Jordan Nwora’s dreams come true when they selected him with the No. 45 overall pick. What does this mean for Nwora?

This is one of the best landing spots for Jordan Nwora that was not often mentioned in early mock drafts. The 6’7″ guard-forward will be able to come in and learn from the best right away.

Louisville fans have seen over Nwora’s three years in the basketball program that he is determined to make himself better as an overall basketball player. Well, now in Milwaukee, who better to continue that growth with than the NBA’s MVP and an all-star in Khris Middleton?

Not only can he learn from those guys, but there is legitimate playing time to be had and the Bucks are in desperate need of shooting depth as the Bucks are in the middle of roster tweaking.

Who will he be competing with for playing time?

The Bucks lost a few key pieces in the offseason that could play the wing position including Wesley Matthews, who declined his player option, and Marvin Williams who is retiring from basketball after 16 seasons in the NBA.

Ersan Ilyasova remains with the team after a trade with the Sacramento Kings for Bogdan Bogdanovic fell through in the last couple of days. However, their willingness to part ways with him in a reported trade is very telling of their feelings about him.

With free agency upcoming, Nwora’s competition for bench minutes stands with the 33-year old Ilyasova, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and Sterling Brown (if he’s re-signed as a restricted free agent). I’d say that sets up pretty favorably for Nwora.

Ilyasova is not the role player he used to be while Thanasis and Sterling Brown are guys who could be easily replaced if Nwora comes in and overachieves quickly. I like Nwora’s chances.

There certainly is a chance that the Bucks will add a wing via trade or free agency (as they tried with Bogdanovic). However, as of right now, Nwora looks to have a fairly easy path to the roster.

How much will his first contract allow him to make?

There are early reports out there of what Jordan Nwora is about to receive once he signs his rookie contract.

If confirmed, Nwora would be poised to play out his two-year rookie deal with a lot of opportunity to increase that number with solid play. He will likely have that chance on a weak Bucks bench to be on the opening day roster.

It’s clear the Bucks have been impressed with Nwora and are thrilled to be adding him.

Why Nwora will succeed in Milwaukee.

The Bucks needed a young player like Nwora desperately and he will benefit in huge amounts from playing with Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Middleton is known as a fantastic shooter in the NBA and has a similar size make-up to Jordan Nwora.

Middleton was also a former second round pick back in the 2012 NBA Draft. If Nwora was looking for a place where a player like Middleton could take him under his wing all while getting legitimate playing time for one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, he just found the perfect place for him.

If he can keep shooting the Hell out of the ball and improving on the defensive end, the Bucks will find a niche for him in the rotation sooner rather than later.

Jordan Nwora is on his best path to success. He’s just getting started.