Bucks Sign Former First-Round Pick and Wisconsin Native

According to RealGM, the Milwaukee Bucks have signed big man Henry Ellenson to an Exhibit 10 contract. Additionally, the team waived guard James Akinjo, who was also on an Exhibit 10 contract.

Ellenson, a Wisconsin native, is a former first-round pick. The Detroit Pistons drafted him out of Marquette with the No. 18 pick in 2016. Ellenson played parts of three seasons in Detroit, splitting time with the NBA team and their G League affiliate, then known as the Grand Rapids Drive. After his stint in Detroit, Ellenson bounced around the league for a bit. From 2019 to 2021, he played for the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and Toronto Raptors.

In 2021, he was named to the All-NBA G League Second Team as a member of the Raptors 905. On the year, he played 15 games, starting 13 of them. In those games, Ellenson averaged 21.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Additionally, he shot 49.3% from the field and 42.7% from beyond the arc.

Since 2021, Ellenson has played for numerous overseas teams. His new Bucks contract is the first NBA contract he has had in over three years.

Milwaukee Bucks Sign Henry Ellenson

Plans for Henry Ellenson This Season

It is unlikely that Ellenson will get much time, if any, on an NBA court this season. Due to the nature of Exhibit 10 contracts, it is more likely that the Bucks will waive the 27-year-old before the season and move him to the G League. However, while unlikely, there is a path where Ellenson can end up on the Bucks’ main roster.

Beyond Brook Lopez, who is entering his 17th season in the NBA, the Bucks are thin on primary centers. Behind Lopez, the Bucks will likely roll out Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis at center in different lineups. While both players are capable of playing the position, it does not take away from the fact they neither are primary centers. Furthermore, the Bucks do have Liam Robbins and Anzejs Pasecniks, but both are not expected to play big roles this season.

At 6’10”, Ellenson offers great size and can stretch the floor. While it remains unlikely he will play for the main team this season, he is still somebody worth keeping an eye on.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ Season Outlook

Last season was incredibly underwhelming for the Bucks. After acquiring star guard Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers, many felt that the Bucks were the favorites to win the NBA Finals last season. Additionally, many also believed they were the best team in the league, let alone the Eastern Conference as well. Despite having high championship expectations, the Bucks did not deliver. They ended the regular season with a 49-33 record and finished as the No. 3 seed in the East. Additionally, they underwent a shocking coaching change during the season, firing Adrian Griffin despite leading them to a 30-13 record through 43 games.

Ultimately, the Bucks failed to even make it past the first round of the playoffs. They lost to the No. 6 seed Indiana Pacers, who shocked the NBA world and made a conference finals appearance for the first time since 2014. Granted, the Bucks suffered numerous injuries all season long. This was especially true during the playoffs, with Antetokounmpo missing the entire first round. Nonetheless, they enter the 2024-25 season with a massive chip on their shoulder. Still, they are one of the best teams in the conference and will likely remain championship contenders this season.