Milwaukee Bucks: Key Takeaways From Loss To Chicago Bulls – October 15
By Adam McGee
New Faces Settling In Fast
The consistency of the core pieces means there’s a familiar feel to the Bucks entering the new season, but in reality with an almost entirely different supporting cast, this is a completely different team.
Although using preseason as a microcosm for what could come in the season proper is a dangerous game to play, at the very least the early indications suggest that Milwaukee’s newbies have bedded into their new surroundings very quickly.
For many, Matthew Dellavedova represented an almost perfect theoretical fit for the Bucks at point guard prior to his signing, and so far it appears as if that can translate to the court when it matters. Dellavedova made a number of intelligent plays to help his teammates find open shots in their preferred spots on Saturday, most notably, Malcolm Brogdon from deep and Giannis right under the rim.
Although Brogdon has struggled with his shooting percentages, he’s shown sound decision-making that will likely make him a fixture in the rotation immediately. Thon Maker played limited minutes against Chicago, but his energy will allow him to play while he learns.
Among the more experienced new faces, Jason Terry, Mirza Teletovic and Michael Beasley are all doing mostly what was expected of them too. If that continues, the Bucks will be well-positioned to have a much more effective second unit than they did last year.