Milwaukee Bucks 2023 Offseason Tiers: Role Players

In the realm of sports, every player has a defined role to fulfill, and on top-tier teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, embracing and excelling in those roles is crucial. This was evident during the Bucks’ championship-winning campaign two years ago, and now they seek to recapture that magic.

At the helm of the pecking order stands Giannis Antetokounmpo, the driving force through whom everything flows. Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton form the next tier, ensuring the offense remains smooth whether Antetokounmpo is on or off the court. There’s no ambiguity about the hierarchy in the Bucks’ roster.

However, the true test lies in the performance of the role players and how they adapt in the upcoming season. Milwaukee boasts several players with a proven track record of contributing at the highest level, while others are striving to achieve that status. Let’s explore three role players who have a prime opportunity to make a significant impact with the Bucks.

Grayson Allen

Since joining the Bucks two years ago, Grayson Allen has been a fixture in the starting lineup, showcasing his scoring prowess by averaging 10.7 points per game while boasting an impressive 40.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc. As the floor spacer alongside Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Holiday, it’s likely that he will continue in this crucial role under the new head coach, Adrian Griffin.

Allen’s presence on the court ensures that his defender cannot afford to stray far from the three-point line, preventing excessive help defense that could clog the lane for the Bucks’ star players. This ability to unlock shots at the rim for his teammates is a vital ingredient in Milwaukee’s offensive success.

However, the true challenge for Allen lies on the defensive end, especially under Griffin’s more aggressive scheme. While he certainly gives a lot of defensive effort, he may face difficulties due to certain physical limitations. Nevertheless, with Griffin likely pushing him to raise his defensive intensity, only time will reveal how Allen responds to this new demand.

Malik Beasley

As a newcomer to the Milwaukee Bucks, Malik Beasley finds himself with a golden opportunity to rejuvenate his value in the NBA and secure a more substantial contract in the future.

Beasley is a dynamic scoring threat who thrives as a bench player, showcasing his ability to shoot his way into a scoring rhythm and maintain it. Last season, he demonstrated his fearless shooting by attempting a whopping 15 three-pointers per 100 possessions. While he may need to dial back his shot selection a bit in Milwaukee, his scoring prowess can undeniably bolster the Bucks’ second unit.

However, similar to Allen, Beasley will face his most significant challenge on the defensive end of the court. Defense has not been his strong suit, and if he hopes to carve out a substantial role under Coach Griffin, he must prove his worth and make strides in this area of his game.

Pat Connaughton

Throughout the 2022-23 regular season, Pat Connaughton encountered his fair share of struggles. However, when the postseason arrived, he shifted into a higher gear and reaffirmed his reputation as a player who shines when the stakes are highest.

Connaughton may not be the player to put up gaudy numbers in the scoring department, but his impact goes beyond the box score. He embodies the essence of a glue guy, consistently doing all the intangible things that championship-caliber teams rely on. Whether it’s diving for loose balls, crashing the boards with tenacity, or executing his role to perfection, Connaughton’s contributions are invaluable.

Moreover, his versatility allows him to step in and contribute at multiple positions, adding another layer of value to his game. As the Bucks aim to recapture their championship form, Connaughton’s “16-game player” mentality and all-around efforts will undoubtedly be crucial to their success.