Is Drew Timme a good fit for the Milwaukee Bucks?

After signing a two-way contract, it's all about showing improvement for Drew Timme to have a lasting NBA career

Despite a decorated college career, Drew Timme's NBA chances were slim heading into the 2023 Draft. Back-to-the-basket centers were a thing of the past in the pros; it's about being able to protect the rim and shoot the 3, two areas that the 6-foot-11 mustachioed Texan wasn't known for during his time at Gonzaga. He didn't project to fit the part by many NBA scouts, so it wasn't a surprise when Timme's name wasn't called on draft night.

"There are not many guys like him succeeding in our league right now," one NBA executive said to Gonzaga Nation in an anonymous survey. "His intangibles are appealing and he has swagger that will help him, but the odds are not in his favor unless he can become a consistent range shooter, which is an area he can improve."

Timme did just that at the draft combine with the full attention of NBA scouts on him in May. He had 17 points and 7 rebounds in the final scrimmage, and went 12-of-25 in the 3-point drill — not bad for a player who only attempted 24 in his senior season. His official height without shoes - 6'8.75" - was sixth among centers, and his wingspan - 7'1.175" - was seventh.

It wasn't a complete telling of what Timme can be at the NBA level, but it was a sign of potential — enough for the Milwaukee Bucks to give Timme a contract as an undrafted free agent just 24 hours after the NBA Draft. The Summer League was Timme's next stage to prove his worth among the world's best basketball players, even if playing time was scarce for Gonzaga's all-time leading scorer.

In 9.3 minutes per game, he averaged 4.3 points and 2.5 rebounds in four games with the Bucks' 2023 NBA Summer League squad in Las Vegas. He looked ready mentally and physically to keep up with the fast-paced tempo of NBA basketball, even if his numbers weren't gaudy. He made the most of his limited opportunity, and it earned him his first two-way NBA contract from Milwaukee on Sunday.

Seven1 Sports Agency, Timme's representative, announced the signing in an Instagram post.

When given a chance to prove himself, Timme has so far stepped up to the plate. As he prepares to join the Bucks' regular and G-League rosters as a two-way player, it's all about showing improvement in training camp.

"The next goal for him would be to continue to make progress and have a good training camp," former Gonzaga All-American Dan Dickau said on the Gonzaga Nation podcast. "To the point where maybe it becomes converted from a two-way contract to a regular contract at some point."

Timme will be spending his time split between the Bucks and the Wisconsin Herd, Milwaukee's G-League affiliate team. Two-way contracts restrict players to no more than 45 days with their NBA team, and it's likely he'll be present for a majority of the Herds' 50-game regular season slate. And unlike standard NBA contracts, two-way deals can't exceed longer than two years in length.

It doesn't guarantee much long-term stability, but it's arguably the best route for Timme's development to take. By the start of the 2022-23 NBA season, 47% of players on opening-night rosters had NBA G League experience. It's a talented league with a competitive environment built for players like Timme who need a little more time to develop certain aspects of their game.

If Timme gets called up to play with the Bucks, he'll have a chance to show that his old-school style of ball has a place in the modern era.

"I think it's a good opportunity because if you look at [the Bucks'] roster, they don't have any true low-post scoring," Dickau said. "In certain situations early on in the preseason or if it's an early regular season game, he could be that scoring option curveball off the bench."

It's also a chance to pick the brain of one of the NBA's most fascinating renaissance big men, Brook Lopez. Similar to Timme, Lopez was once a dominating force in the paint during his college and early pro years before expanding his game to stretch outside the 3-point line in keeping up with the evolution of the modern game. Along with becoming a solid rim protector, Lopez has extended his NBA career into his mid-30s, as he just signed a two-year, $48 million contract to stay with the Bucks until he turns 37. Even if Timme doesn't shoot 37% from deep at any point in his career, showing consistent improvement will be key in keeping his NBA career alive.

In the short term, Timme will have a chance to be a difference-maker as a low-post scoring threat, something the Bucks don't have much of on their roster right now. Even with Giannis Antetokounmpo forcing his way to the rim every play, Milwaukee ranked 24th last season in points in the paint per game. Lopez and backup big Meyers Leonard stretch the floor at the center position, while Brook's twin brother Robin averaged just 8.1 minutes per game last season and can expect similar playing time in the 2023-24 season.

With Timme down low, the Bucks could play him alongside a stretch big man like Lopez or Bobby Portis, who shot 37% from deep last season. But with Antetokounmpo playing at the "4" most of the time, it's hard to see how Timme's game would fit alongside the two-time NBA MVP who is one of the most dominant scoring threats in the paint. Even more incentive for Timme to develop that 3-point shot for the future.

The Bucks banked on Timme for his potential. Now he'll have a legitimate chance with opportunities to prove himself in the G-League and NBA.