Milwaukee Bucks Jordan Nwora is stepping up while Giannis Antetokounmpo is out

When Giannis Antetokounmpo went into the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols, the Milwaukee Bucks were going to need some players to step up to fill his scoring void. Jordan Nwora has been one of those players to answer the call after sputtering through the first 20 games of the season.

Nwora’s play was so inconsistent he was sent to the Milwaukee Bucks G-League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, on December 6th but was immediately summoned back up because of injuries and some players landing in the NBA’s health and safety protocols.

Nwora has taken advantage of his expanded playing time, especially since Giannis has missed the last four games.

Nwora is averaging 18.8 points per game and 9.7 rebounds in that four-game stretch. Additionally, he is shooting 44% from the field and from three-point range while averaging 34.5 minutes.

He scored a season-high 28 points against Cleveland and logged back-to-back career-highs in minutes against the New Orleans Pelicans and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

To put the cherry on top of his recent strong play, he had a highlight play against the Rockets that completely embarrassed his defender.

Nwora should have demanded ownership of Armoni Brooks’ shoes after he shook Brooks out of them.

The Bucks are also getting big contributions from Jrue Holiday while Giannis has missed time, but Nwora has given Holiday a helping hand.

Why Jordan Nwora strong play matters for the Milwaukee Bucks

Nwora’s development is critical for a couple of reasons. The first reason is if he can continue to play at this high level, he can be a valuable trade asset come the trade deadline. He could be packaged with say, Donte DiVincenzo to land a player at the trade deadline to help the Bucks get a critical piece to repeat as NBA Champs.

The other reason is if the Bucks do not trade Nwora, they need young players to grow into reliable rotational players. The Milwaukee Bucks roster is aging, and their draft pick situation is sparse up through 2028. The Bucks could use Nwora to grow into a key player off the bench or as a starter that can help the Bucks still contend for championships.

I love Nwora’s game, but I am not forecasting him into a future all-star. I am realistic to know his outstanding four-game stretch has come with three games against obviously inferior teams.

He can be a player that fits into what championship dynasties need. Yes, I am bold enough to think the Bucks could become the next NBA dynasty as long as Giannis is with Milwaukee.

He can also be a trade chip to acquire a better player to assist Giannis, Khris Middleton, and Holiday to help in their quest for more championships.

The most important part in the here-and-now is that Jordan Nwora has stepped up to assist in keeping the Bucks treading water during this time instead of taking on water and sinking.