Nos. 7-9, Critical Rotation Pieces

The Milwaukee Bucks have done a tremendous job putting together a roster that is not only heavy in talent at the top, but has a supporting cast that perfectly compliments their top guys.

Sporting a legitimate rotation consisting of at least eight guys has been a key piece to the Bucks’ playoff success over the last four years. This year, they’re threatening at least nine deep in the playoffs with more potential contributors in the regular season. Let’s check out three players who figure to play a prominent role in Milwaukee’s rotation this year.

9: Jevon Carter

Jersey no. 5; 6-1, 200 pounds, guard

Jon Horst has done a pretty nice job along the margins of the Bucks’ roster. Say what you will about his drafting, but he’s consistently found role players with limited resources—Brook Lopez, Bryn Forbes, Bobby Portis, Wes Matthews and now Jevon Carter all come to mind.

Carter was a late season addition after he was released by the Brooklyn Nets. He hounds opposing point guards 94 feet and makes them sweat on every single dribble. He locks in on defense and does a fine job sliding his feet side to side to stay in front of his man.

That bulldog mentality is his primary identity on the court, but his offense also took a step forward last season. He’s never going to be someone who can create shots for himself or teammates, and that’s just fine with the Bucks. He made 38.8 percent of his three-pointers last season, improving his career percentage to 38.3 percent. If he can continue to knock down threes at that rate while slightly increasing the number he takes, that’s all Milwaukee needs from their backup point guard.

8: Grayson Allen

Jersy no. 7; 6-4, 198 pounds, guard

It was eventful first year in Milwaukee for Grayson Allen. The Bucks traded for him in the offseason and then he signed a contract extension after a hot start with the team. He went off against the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the playoffs despite a chorus of boos from the fans before falling flat against the Boston Celtics in the second round. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out the fact he was forced into a more prominent role than is advisable once Khris Middleton went down with an injury.

Despite ranking eighth on this list, he will probably slide into the fifth starting spot alongside Jrue Holiday, Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez. His shooting gives his teammates the necessary space to operate and they can hide him on defense with four plus defenders.

7: Pat Connaughton

Jersey no. 24; 6-5, 209 pounds, wing

Pat Connaughton also got his bag this summer when he signed a three-year, $28 million extension that begins next year. He’s proven to be a valuable member on the Bucks both in the regular season and in the playoffs. And with nearly 1500 playoff minutes under his belt, including a Championship, it’s safe to say he’s battle tested and proven at the game’s highest level.

Connaughton has enough positional versatility to slide in alongside Antetokounmpo in a small ball lineup or line up at the 2 in a bully ball version. That flexibility is valuable considering the matchup dependency of today’s NBA. He also continues to knock down shots at an improving rate (he had a career-high 39.5 percent three-point percentage last year) and has added a high-catch, high-release shot to his repertoire. After questions about whether he was overpaid early in his Bucks’ tenure, he’s proven he’s actually been underpaid throughout his career.