Jon

Leuer

Leuer had stints with five NBA teams with his best seasons being in Phoenix and Detroit. His career was derailed by injuries shortly after signing a four-year, $42 million deal with the Pistons. “I love the game of basketball. I still want to play, but I know deep down it’s not the right decision for my health anymore,” Leuer said on Instagram. The 31-year-old finishes with career averages of 6.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists.

He should be able to snag a training camp deal next year, but he’s irrelevant in fantasy hoops.

Horst stated that the Bucks’ focus with the Leuer trade was more financial flexibility. Thus, his spot on the roster is not safe. However, it has very little impact from a fantasy perspective.

The Bucks were looking for ways to clear cap space, and this is a step in the right direction. Snell is owed $11.4 million this season with a $12.1 million player option in 2020-21, whereas Leuer will earn $9.5 million in the final year of his deal. Snell gives Detroit some much-needed wing depth and he could earn solid minutes, but projects as nothing more than a 3-point specialist.

Milwaukee attached the pick to help unload Snell’s salary, and Leuer looks like a candidate to be waived. Even if he does stick around this season, there’s no reason to think he’ll help fantasy owners in a Bucks uniform.

Blake Griffin (sore left knee) was out again tonight and it’s unclear if he’ll be able to play in the first round. “People say it’s a ruse or whatever, but it’s real,” said coach Dwane Casey, addressing anyone who doubts Griffin’s injury. “His body will let him know if he can go or not. It’s not like we are trying to play without him.” Jon Leuer was a DNP-CD tonight and Maker may continue to start in Blake’s absence, but he’s yet to help fantasy owners in the postseason.

Detroit listed Leuer as their fill-in starter for Blake Griffin (rest), but made a late change and went with Thon Maker. Clearly that was their downfall as the Cavs won this game 126-119. Jokes aside, Leuer will remain hidden on page 11 of the waiver-wire and doesn’t have a path to minutes.

He was in the rotation with Zaza Pachulia (Achilles) still not right, but Thon Maker looks to be ahead of Leuer in the bench big pecking order.

Zaza Pachulia (Achilles) is also questionable for today’s game, so if both these guys are forced to the sidelines, Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond will be forced into heavy minutes. Check back for another update closer to tip-off.

With the additions of Wayne Ellington and Thon Maker, GRIII and Leuer find themselves as the odd men out in the rotation, and that’s a trend that figures to hold. Leave them on the wire.