After a quiet weekend from NBA 2K League teams regarding protected players, Bucks Gaming kicked off the week by announcing Tuesday it protected its two All-NBA 2K League honorees. Through social media, Bucks Gaming announced the protection of Aaron “Arooks” Rookwood and Tyler “Plondo” Lay.
Bucks Gaming now joins fellow NBA 2K League teams Cavs Legion GC, Knicks Gaming, Wizards District Gaming, Mavs Gaming, and Hawks Talon GC to choose protected players from September’s expansion draft. The expansion draft will allow Hornets Venom GT, and any other expansion teams to be announced, to draft from a pool of unprotected players.
With the deadline to protect players on Monday, 15 teams remain to make a decision on their future rosters. For a list of rules regarding protecting players and transactions, view the league’s official release.
We are proud to announce our 2 protected players for SZN 3 …
— Bucks Gaming (@BucksGG) August 27, 2019
Bucks Gaming protected players
Bucks Gaming had the star power to be a top-five team during the 2019 season. Early in the season, Rookwood was arguably a top player in the league. After the hot start, things began to cool down for the Milwaukee crew as the season continued. Bucks Gaming struggled to string together enough wins to get into the playoffs. After the final game, Bucks Gaming finished the year with an 8-8 record, tied for 10th.
Rookwood dominated the league at point guard this year. He led Bucks Gaming with 19.9 points per game, ranking him fifth in the league. Rookwood added 3.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game to his stellar season. The point guard’s performances throughout the season landed him on the All-NBA 2K League First Team.
Lay took some time to reach his potential as a rookie in the league. When Rookwood and Lay were in sync for the pick-and-roll, that was when the Bucks were at their best. Lay averaged a team-high 4.4 assists per game and contributed 18.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, earning a reputation for both his passing and finishing down low. Lay earned spots on the All-NBA 2K League Second Team and the All-Rookie Team for his 2019 season.
The decision by Bucks Gaming Tuesday puts Jovan “BigMeek” Tenner, Chad “Chaddynick” Fodderie, Robert “RSG” Harter, and Stephen “SlayIsland” Lay into the expansion draft player pool.
For the latest news regarding protected players from the remaining 15 NBA 2K League teams, stay tuned to Daily Esports!
