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The Milwaukee Bucks begin their title defense against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, October 19th. The Bucks aren't favored by many to come out of the Eastern Conference this time. But they boast a solid squad, and will be determined to prove their critics wrong.
The Milwaukee Bucks didn't have to make a splash this offseason. That's because four of their regular starters - Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez - are all under long-term contracts. They played key roles in the team's success, and are expected to replicate those performances this campaign.
The Bucks' bench has seen significant changes, though. Veterans PJ Tucker and Bryn Forbes, who were key to the team's set-up last year, left in free agency. To replace them, Milwaukee brought in the likes of Grayson Allen, George Hill and Rodney Hood. It remains to be seen what role these players play in the franchise's quest to win back-to-back NBA titles.
On that note, here's a look at three questions for the Milwaukee Bucks heading into the opening night of the 2021-22 NBA season.
#3 Can Grayson Allen thrive as a starter in the absence of Donte DiVicenzo for the Milwaukee Bucks?
The Milwaukee Bucks signed Grayson Allen via trade this offseason from the Memphis Grizzlies. The Bucks needed a backup for starter Donte DiVincenzo heading into the season. DiVincenzo is currently recovering from foot surgery. and is likely to be sidelined for a while.
PJ Tucker was the Bucks' go-to option post DiVincenzo's injury last campaign during the playoffs. But with Tucker departing, Milwaukee are likely to give Allen the go-ahead to start alongside Jrue Holiday in the backcourt.
Allen and DiVincenzo have many similarities in their playing styles. Allen is a tad better when it comes to offense, though. He showcased his abilities during the preseason. The former Memphis Grizzlies guard has shot roughly 40% from the three-point line over the last two years. Allen is also an efficient finisher at the rim.
The Milwaukee Bucks will hope he can get off to a good start. That will bolster their hopes of producing the desired results before DiVincenzo returns. Allen will have to improve a bit in defense to ensure the Bucks don't struggle at that end in DiVincenzo's absence. That will allow the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton to play freely, and help the team offensively.
#2 Will Milwaukee Bucks' new-look bench make a positive impact?
The Milwaukee Bucks managed to retain fan-favorite Bobby Portis this summer. But that wasn't the case with PJ Tucker and Bryn Forbes. Tucker didn't make much of a difference in the regular season, but showed up in the playoffs. Forbes, meanwhile, made a great mpact during the regular season.
His three-point shooting elevated the Bucks' offense to another level. Milwaukee signed former player George Hill and veteran Rodney Hood as shooting threats, but their performances haven't been great over the last two seasons.
Youngsters Jordan Nwora and Sandro Mamukelashvili may play a larger role with the team this season, owing to their strong performances during the summer league and preseason.
As of now, Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton are the two most reliable options the Milwaukee Bucks have among their reserves. They know their roles well, as they were key rotation players last season. Portis will be unavailable on opening night due to a hamstring injury, though, which is a big blow for the Bucks.
In his absence, Nwora and rookie Mamukelashvili could receive more playing time than expected. It will be interesting to see if Hill, Nwora, Mamukelashvili and Hood deliver as expected for the team when the season begins.
#1 Who will guard Kevin Durant?
The Milwaukee Bucks gave veteran PJ Tucker the assignment of guarding Kevin Durant during their Eastern Conference semi-finals clash in the 2021 playoffs. Tucker has left since then, so the Bucks will have to decide who takes up this monumental challenge.
Will it be Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jrue Holiday? They are the team's best defenders, and have taken on the challenge of guarding the best players of opposing teams in the past. However, they are important to the way the team operates offensively.
So it remains to be seen who gets the job to limit Kevin Durant on opening night and whenever the teams clash again during the season. During the 2021 playoffs, Antetokounmpo, Holiday and even Middleton took turns guarding Durant when Tucker was off the floor. That could be one defensive scheme the Milwaukee Bucks could consider using again.
Guess the Lakers players!
