The Milwaukee Bucks made an interesting move ahead of the NBA trade deadline, acquiring Mathias Lessort’s draft rights as part of a multi-team deal. While he is a well-established EuroLeague player, this move appears to be more about adding a potential asset rather than a priority acquisition for the Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks Acquire Rights To All-EuroLeague Center
Who is Mathias Lessort?
Lessort, a 29-year-old French center, was initially drafted 50th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2017 NBA Draft but never played in the league. Instead, he built a strong career overseas, becoming a physical and reliable big man. His journey has taken him through several top-tier clubs, including Partizan Belgrade, Maccabi Tel Aviv, AS Monaco, Bayern Munich, and now Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens.
Before suffering a fibula fracture in December, Lessort averaged 13.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game in EuroLeague play. He shot an efficient 74.1% on two-pointers and maintained an impressive 20.5 PIR (performance index rating).
From The EuroLeague To The Bucks
Last season, Lessort was a key contributor in helping Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens secure the EuroLeague championship. Over 41 games, he averaged 13.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals while shooting 62.6% from two-point range. His 19.6 PIR highlighted his overall effectiveness on both ends of the floor, as he played a significant role in the Greens’ frontcourt.
His efforts earned him a spot on the All-EuroLeague First Team, making him the only returning player from the previous year’s selection. Lessort also ranked second in PIR (19.6) in the league, demonstrating his strong impact throughout the season.
The Bucks acquired Lessort’s rights in the deal that landed them Jericho Sims from the New York Knicks. Milwaukee sent Delon Wright, the draft rights to Hugo Besson, and cash considerations to New York.
While Lessort is unlikely to join Milwaukee anytime soon—his contract with Panathinaikos runs through 2028, with an NBA-out clause only available in the summer of 2027—the move provides the Bucks with a potential asset. However, given that Lessort is already 29, he is not necessarily a long-term development piece but rather an experienced international player whose potential NBA future remains uncertain.
What Could EuroLeague’s Lessort Bring To The Bucks?
Lessort is a high-energy, physical big man who thrives in pick-and-roll situations and provides a strong rebounding presence. His defensive versatility allows him to protect the rim while being mobile enough to handle switches in certain matchups.
If he eventually joins the Bucks, he could provide additional frontcourt depth behind Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis. His defensive toughness, ability to finish efficiently around the rim, and rebounding skills could make him a helpful piece in the right system. However, given his current situation in Europe and the fact that he would enter the league in his 30s, his transition to the NBA is far from guaranteed.
While Lessort remains an option for the Bucks, securing his rights gives them flexibility rather than a guaranteed future player. Milwaukee fans should monitor his progress in the EuroLeague as he recovers from injury. Whether he eventually makes the jump to the NBA remains to be seen, but his skill set could be a fit for the Bucks in the right circumstances.
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