Join the Milwaukee Bucks? Ryan Broekhoff is definitely on board
Milwaukee Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova recently suggested he was pulling for Boomers teammate Ryan Broekhoff to join him at the Bucks. Broekhoff isn't entirely uninterested either, should the opportunity present itself.
"That’s [Dellavedova]," said Broekhoff in speaking with The Pick and Roll.
"He has always been a great guy and a big advocate for Australian basketball. We went to his wedding not long ago too."
https://twitter.com/RBroekhoff45/status/890568172792950787
The Bucks already have two Australians in Dellavedova and top 10 NBA draft pick Thon Maker. Broekhoff explained that playing for the Bucks could be a great situation for him, with an ability to play both ends of the court.
"I'm not sure how much pull he has [Dellavedova at Milwaukee], but it is good to have his support and putting my name out there.
"Of course, I'd love to play for the Bucks.
"They already have a couple of Aussies, plus Milwaukee is not too far from where I went to college [Valparaiso, Indiana], and one of my best friends lives not too far away either."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow9TyPetVVU
The 6'7 sharpshooter has played his role to near perfection for Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar in Russia for the past two years across the VTB United League, EuroLeague and EuroCup competitions. Last season he averaged 5.9 points in the EuroCup while adding 8.8 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 44% from downtown in the VTB United League, demonstrating a canny ability to make ridiculously big shots along the way.
Just like compatriot Joe Ingles before him when he was playing in Europe, Broekhoff has been receiving plenty of interest from NBA teams. However he explained that for him to make the move to the NBA, it will take a big risk on his behalf.
"There has definitely been some [NBA] interest from a number of NBA teams, similar to the last few years," explained Broekhoff.
"In accepting an invite to training camp, that in itself is a risk. If I take the risk, attend training camp and things don't work out, by then the good teams in Europe have already filled out their rosters for the season. Teams are full and the risk is that you miss out on a roster spot and then have to consider teams playing at a lower level.
"I am still under contract with Loko for a third season, but there is a buyout option. A lot of things change pretty quickly over in Europe so who knows?"
"At this stage I will be back at Loko. I am planning on a big season ahead. In the off-season you can test the [NBA] waters and see what happens."
Speaking to The Pick and Roll from Wisconsin, USA, Broekhoff shared that he has been enjoying an off-season break for the first time since his freshman season at Valparaiso. He has worked tirelessly every off-season, many of those involved with the Australian national team.
"It's been great to finally have a break," said Broekhoff. "I've taken the opportunity to get away, take a break, find some warm weather, and to get away from the cold [in Russia].
"For the past 6 or 7 years, I have been doing Boomers stuff, trying to break into the team, and always putting in the extra work. For the first time in many years, I have taken some time off after the season to allow the body some time to recover, you know - overcome the aches, the pains and those niggling injuries.
"I have spent some quality time with family and friends, get away from basketball, and basically just refresh. Now I am excited to get back to playing."
While Broekhoff, like many of his Boomers team mates from Rio, has chosen to taken some much-needed rest and relaxation, he has not stopped working.
"I've been training locally - loads of shooting," said Broekhoff. "My girlfriend has been my rebounder! She lets me know if I am slacking a little bit, and pushes me really hard both on and off the court. She is my motivator. She has made so many sacrifices for me in support of my career, I owe her a lot.
"I've been keeping fit, lifting, doing preventative work, even taking part in a boot camp... doing strengthening programs. I've been trying new things to get into good shape, and to see what works best for me and my body.
"I'm now feeling fit, healthy and very strong, and ready to have a big season."
While Delly's desire for his Boomers teammate to join him at the Bucks may not transpire next season, Broekhoff still has his sights set on the NBA. It just might be another year away before it happens.