The Milwaukee Bucks have reached a one-year, $1.1 million-plus agreement with free agent forward Chris Copeland, according to Shams Charania of RealGM.
Copeland, 31, spent his first year in the league with the New York Knicks where he showcased his proficient three-point shooting, averaging 8.7 points on 42.1 percent shooting from deep.
After an impressive season with the Knicks, the Indiana Pacers handed Copeland a good free agent deal, but he turned in two disappointing seasons. Copeland’s numbers plummeted, and he began to lose minutes. Although last season, with Paul George injured, Copeland earned 12 starts and played in 50 games while averaging 16.6 minutes a game. However, his offensive efficiency was horrendous, as he shot 31.1 percent from downtown and 36.1 percent overall.
After the Bucks traded Jared Dudley to the Washington Wizards, they needed to fill the void with a decent replacement. Adding Copeland gives Milwaukee insurance for Jabari Parker who is recovering from an ACL tear that kept him out for 57 games last season.
Copeland could provide three-point shooting and size at the wing. If he could find consistency and shoot with better efficiency, he could earn decent amount of minutes and become a rotational guy for this young Bucks team.
Additionally, Copeland and his new head coach Jason Kidd were teammates together in New York. Perhaps Kidd could help Copeland regain his shooting touch and rejuvenate his young career.
Considering wing depth and assurance, this is another nice move by the Bucks. They have had quite an impressive offseason and have without question improved on last year’s roster. Adding Greg Monroe has been their biggest acquisition this summer and retaining Khris Middleton was another crucial move. Seeded sixth place last year, many believe the Bucks could be a top-four or top-five team this upcoming season.