Bucks Acquire Cody Martin for Defensive Boost After Holiday Departure

By BVM Sportsdesk, 1h ago

The Milwaukee Bucks aim to enhance their defense after the trade of Jrue Holiday and the arrival of Damian Lillard left a gap. To fill this void, they are considering a trade for defensive specialist Cody Martin, a move seen as pivotal to restore their defensive capabilities ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. The Bucks previously excelled defensively under coach Mike Budenholzer but dropped to 19th in defensive rating last season. Key players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez remain foundational for the team's defense, but the loss of perimeter defenders like Holiday necessitates a strategic adjustment to improve their defensive approach.

By the Numbers

• The Bucks finished 19th in defensive rating last season.
• Cody Martin has averaged 6.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists over five seasons with the Hornets.

Yes, But

Cody Martin's injury history could pose risks, as he has only played 35 games in the last two seasons due to knee and ankle issues, raising questions about his reliability and potential impact on the Bucks' defensive strategies.

State of Play

• The Bucks are currently focused on reclaiming their elite defensive status.
• A midseason coaching change to Doc Rivers showed slight improvements, but challenges in transition defense remain.

What's Next

If the Bucks acquire Martin, they could potentially integrate him into the starting lineup, bolstering their defense and aiming for a top-10 defensive rating crucial for championship contention next season.

Bottom Line

Acquiring Cody Martin could address critical defensive shortcomings for the Milwaukee Bucks, helping them restore their reputation as a formidable defensive team, which is essential for their championship ambitions in the upcoming season.