Will Kyrylo Fesenko Play for the Milwaukee Bucks?

By Jackson B. | Posted Tuesday, February 21

The Milwaukee Bucks need help defensively. The loss of Andrew Bogut, Luc Mbah a Moute, and, most recently, Drew Gooden has wreaked havoc on the team's point-differentials. Their thin defensive ranks have been partly to blame for the recent losses. The Bucks have now lost seven of their last nine, winning just two road games at Toronto and Cleveland. That sought after, eighth seed playoff spot will quickly vanish, should Milwaukee continue to struggle. Luckily, a golden opportunity seems to have presented itself.

The Ukrainian born giant, Kyrylo Fesenko, stands at an inch over seven-feet and weighs a whopping 280 pounds. He has been one of the most underrated centers in the NBA since beginning his career as a backup in Utah these past four years. Following the end of his contract, Fesenko went into free-agency, but wasn't picked-up during the off-season. This was likely due to a torn meniscus that he suffered in the Eurobasket Tournament. Now he is in demand from not just Milwaukee, but the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and Atlanta Hawks.

This surprise courting of Fesenko doesn't stem from his scoring abilities. The center averaged just over two points and one rebound per game with Utah. The Bucks and the three other suitors are looking to bulk up their defensive side without breaking the bank.

The Jazz limited the center to an average of eight minutes per game. He improved the defensive side of their game when he was on the court. Even more telling is that Fesenko managed to keep his opponent's efficiency ratings five points below average when defending individual players.

The Bucks are hoping for a meeting with the unrestricted free-agent next week sometime, but they know it will be an uphill battle to win his favor. They are the lone small-market. It's going to take a lot of cash or promises to get Fesenko to join this rag-tag bunch of players. He would have to think that he could help Milwaukee get to the playoffs, if he chose to come to play for the Bucks.