Ranking The Milwaukee Bucks’ Roster: Nos 4-6, Playmaking Bigs

Each of the bigs on the Milwaukee Bucks’ roster defines playmaking in their own unique way.

For one, it might be putting the ball in the hoop. For another, it’s setting teammates up for shots. And for another yet, it’s providing elite defense at the rim. To each their own.

As we get down into the nitty-gritty of the Bucks’ roster, each of the below players will have a huge role to play at some point in the season. They’ll also be counted on more than ever once we get to the playoffs.

6: Joe Ingles

Jersey no. 00; 6-8, 220 pounds, forward-wing

Joe Ingles would appear at a much lower spot if this were simply a regular season ranking. However, the Bucks have reached the phase where the regular season is merely a walkthrough and the real games begin in the playoffs. That alone makes Ingles more valuable to the Bucks.

It’s not clear exactly when he’ll return from injury, but it’s looking like the start of 2023 is a realistic expectation. When he does get back to full health, he’ll add some additional playmaking Milwaukee lacked last year when Khris Middleton went down with an injury. He can also spot up from behind the three-point line and knock down shots from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lastly, he brings more size to the wing and can hold his own on defense even at the advanced age of 34. In short, he has all the ingredients to be a difference-maker in May and June.

5: Bobby Portis

Jersey no. 9; 6-10, 250 pounds, big

Bobby Portis took another step forward last season when he was forced into the starting lineup for most of the season. Replacing an injured Brook Lopez is no small feat, but Portis proved he was up to the task. The fan-favorite posted a career-high in points (14.6), blocks (0.7) and rebounds (9.1) per game. He also maintained an elite three-point percentage (39.3) despite basically doubling his three-point attempts. His defense continued to be passable as well.

Portis continued to endear himself to Bucks’ fans by displaying the same heart and effort since he came to Milwaukee two years ago. Now playing on a brand new four-year, $49 million contract and only 27-years-old, he has the opportunity to build on his legacy.

4: Brook Lopez

Jersey no. 11; 7-0, 282 pounds, big

After starting the first game of the season, Brook Lopez missed the next 67 games due to a pestering back injury that lingered long past its welcome. It didn’t help the Bucks kept the media and fans in the dark about any timetable for a return.

Milwaukee eased him back into the swing of the game when he finally returned in the middle of March and he was his usual self for the playoffs. It may have taken a lot longer than fans hoped, but the team handled it beautifully, minimizing any potential impact in the long term.

Lopez is 34-years-old and entering the final year of his contract, making his future in Milwaukee murky. However, he’s one of the most dominant paint forces in the entire NBA when he’s on the court. Lopez swats and/or alters shots at an elite rate and is the catalyst to the Bucks’ defense. As he loses a step, it will be vital for him to continue to find ways to impact the game on both ends of the court. But based on how he played in the postseason, he shouldn’t fall off the proverbial cliff quite yet.