Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
The Milwaukee Bucks recently signed point guard Nate Wolters to a rookie contract. Wolters, who was selected in the second round of the 2013 NBA Draft, comes to the professional level with a very impressive resume. With that being said, what will his role be with the Bucks for the 2013-14 season?
After the draft, many in Milwaukee thought the Bucks would use Wolters as a backup point guard. Considering there were many unknowns regarding the two guard positions with Monta Ellis, Brandon Jennings and J.J. Redick all looking to leave the team (all three eventually did), the assumption was Wolters would have to play big-time minutes right out of the gate. However, the organization has filled both guard positions nicely. In fact, Wolters is currently listed as the fourth point guard on the unofficial depth chart.
Wolters had a very successful collegiate career at South Dakota State. His 2,353 career points, 663 assists and 644 free throws made are all school records. He also was a huge reason why South Dakota was able to make an appearance in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament the last two seasons.
Wolters was also effective for Milwaukee during the NBA Summer League. He averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 23.4 minutes per game in five contests (one start).
The Bucks have to be excited about having Wolters on their roster. There is no question he will have a great opportunity to learn from veteran point guard Luke Ridnour and youngster Brandon Knight. Even though his role has slightly changed as the summer has progressed, the organization will still expect Wolters to develop in his rookie season. He may not see the court often but he still can absorb plenty of knowledge throughout the 2013-14 season.
