Behind the Bucks Pass
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Lineups The Milwaukee Bucks Should Experiment With In 2017

By John Heffernon

Apr 3, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the game against the Chicago Bulls at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Chicago won 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the game against the Chicago Bulls at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Chicago won 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

The ‘All Defense’ Lineup

PG -Matthew Dellavedova
SG -Khris Middleton
SF -Giannis Antetokounmpo
PF – Thon Maker
C – John Henson

Every player in this lineup is at least two of these three things: a tenacious defender, tall, and able to guard multiple positions. That gives this group infinite flexibility on the defensive end. In theory, it should be extremely difficult to score against these five guys.

Their biggest weaknesses on D would be against an elite interior scorer. Luckily for these five, there are not many great back to the basket big men left in the modern NBA. Neither Thon or John would be strong enough to slow down a healthy Dwight Howard possession after possession.

When they don’t have to face throwback big men this lineup would shine. Each guy can switch easily onto multiple players. Giannis, Thon, and Henson have the amazing height and athleticism combos that would make it hard for opposing players to get uncontested shots from either inside or outside.

Maker and Henson also have the ability to switch on picks and at least hang with the offensive player long enough to give them some trouble. Most offensive plays and packages would be virtually ineffective going against these five.

Offensively, this lineup would be fine. Giannis would make the plays and should be able to get everyone the ball where they need it to score. Delly and Khris are good spot up shooters from anywhere. Maker is a good midrange shooter with range that extends to the three-point and also can finish a variety of plays inside. Henson does not have any shooting range but he has a lefty hook that is one of the best in the association and he also can finish a variety of plays inside.

Surprisingly, the area where this lineup would likely struggle the most is rebounding. Maker is very thin and will be pretty weak compared to his competition this season. Henson has never been a good rebounding big man during his time in the pros. It will be up to Giannis and Middleton to help them out on the boards to make this lineup passable in that department.

Scoring more points than the other team is the main goal in basketball. That is pretty easy to do when the other team can barely score. This lineup is going to keep the scoring down but the excitement up.

Next: Getting A Real Contribution From MCW

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