In the 2023 off-season, the Bucks traded Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics. For the 2023–2024 NBA season, Holiday’s salary was around $24.4 million, which places him in the high-salary tier of NBA players. The Bucks greatly valued Holiday’s defensive skills and playmaking ability, which were essential in supporting their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

And now, the Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to a deal with Ibou Badji, league sources told @hoopshype. Badji, known for his defensive prowess and impact on the game, played in 22 games for Portland last season. Senior NBA Insider, Michael Scotto posted on X: ” The Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to a deal with Ibou Badji, league sources told  @hoopshype. Badji appeared in 22 games for the Portland Trail Blazers last season”.

Badji started playing basketball professionally with the FC Barcelona B team in Europe. This transition from a young player to representing in NBA marks a significant step in his development. As he continues to grow, the Bucks are looking to reinforce their lineup following the departure of their $23 million star.

Early life

On October 13th, 2002, in Dakar, Senegal, a future basketball star named Ibou Dianko Badji, was born. From a young age, his impressive height and athleticism set him apart. By the age of 15, he stood 2.16 meters (7 feet 1 inch) tall and with a wingspan of 2.29 meters (7 feet 6 inches). As this height turned out to be a natural demand for basketball, he joined the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal, a prestigious program designed to nurture young talent from across the continent in the year 2017.

At the academy, Badji’s potential was evident. His training included advanced drills and competitive play against some of the best young talents in Africa, which helped refine his skills and prepare him for a professional career. By the end of 2018, his talent caught the attention of European scouts. As a result, Europe’s premier basketball club, FC Barcelona, signed him and began playing for the youth teams. His team sent him to Australia and the United States for training before he went to Barcelona.

In Barcelona, during the 2019–20 season, Badji trained with Barcelona’s first team and played for FC Barcelona B in the third-tier LEB Plata league. He showed promise in his performances, notably on October 26, 2019, with 12 points, nine rebounds, and five blocked shots in a win over Prat. On January 18, 2020, he recorded eight points and a season-high eight blocks, demonstrating his defensive ability.

Why Choose Basketball?

Senegal’s famous sports include wrestling and football. The question remains why choose basketball? Well, he answers it as he says, “My father is the one who had to push me to train because I didn’t want to. I wanted to play football like all my other friends”. The combination of his physical attributes his height and athleticism and the sport’s prominence in his country makes basketball a natural fit. His early training at the NBA Academy provided him with a solid foundation and the opportunity to develop his skills in a competitive environment. Badji’s passion for the sport, coupled with his physical gifts, drove him to pursue a career in basketball, aiming for success both in Europe and the NBA. In his family, his two brothers also play basketball. His younger brother Boubaca Badji just joined Unicaja Malaga.

Professional Career

Força Lleida (2021–2022)

In October 2021, Força Lleida CE of the LEB Oro signed Badji, making him step into a more competitive environment. In October 2021, Força Lleida CE of the LEB Oro signed Badji, which made him step into a more competitive environment. As he played in the Spanish second-tier league, he gained valuable experience in professional basketball, helping him develop his game and adapt to the higher level of competition.

Wisconsin Herd and Portland Trail Blazers (2022–2024)

Despite his promising development, Badji went undrafted into the 2022 NBA Draft. However, his potential did not go unnoticed. On November 3, 2022, he joined the Wisconsin Herd, the NBA G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks, on an Exhibit 10 contract. Despite no guarantee, this contract provided him with the opportunity to showcase his skills and make an impression.

Badji’s journey took a big turn on November 18, 2022, as he signed a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. Two-way contracts help players balance NBA and G League. Badji’s both opportunity and adversity marked a stint with the Blazers. He debuted in the NBA on December 26, 2023, against the Sacramento Kings, posting 7 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks in his second game, a loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

Despite his potential, he faced challenges. On March 7, 2023, he underwent surgery on his left knee, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. The Blazers waived Badji on October 24, 2023, after his return to the team on July 6, 2023, with another two-way contract. Shortly thereafter, he returned to the Wisconsin Herd, where he continued to develop his skills and contribute to the team.

In total, he played 22 games for the Blazers during the 2023–2024 season, where he averaged 1.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 10.3 minutes per game. His contributions were modest but highlighted his defensive capabilities and his potential to grow as a player. Further, he showed significant impact in the G League, averaging 4.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks in 19 games.

These statistics reflect his role primarily as a defensive player, with notable efficiency in field goal percentage. Badji’s ability to contribute defensively and his growth potential are key aspects of his profile as he continues to develop his game.

Ibou Badji’s agreement with the Milwaukee Bucks is a big chance for his career. Badji’s journey from Senegal to the NBA and G League showcases his talent and determination. By joining the Bucks, he can demonstrate his skills and make a difference on a new team. The Bucks signed Badji because they think he has great potential and wants to make a strong team for the next season.