Major Key For Milwaukee: Space The Floor
The Bucks have a few options to fill the vacant starting forward spot. Once Khris Middleton does return to form, the Bucks could slide him in between Tony Snell and Giannis Antetokounmpo to make a smaller, stretchier lineup.
It’s doubtful Kidd will go to that option right away though, so the more likely scenario is one of three bench forwards getting the nod. Mirza Teletovic, Michael Beasley and Thon Maker all could slide in at the four, even if Thon is more of a five at times.
Thon would unquestionably be the most fun of those options, and the Bucks have shown they’re willing to play and even start the young Maker. His being viewed as more of a center could impact Kidd’s decision, although it’s always hard to tell exactly what’s happening with the Bucks rotation.
Teletovic is a good option too. Although his three-point percentage is down from last season, he’s still got enough touch to where you’d think some extended playing time could result in an uptick in efficiency. The real problem with Teletovic is the lack of passing he brings with him–Teletovic tends to always fire away, which can stop possessions before a good shot is found.
Finally, the Beas could be released into the starting lineup. Beasley has been surprisingly good this season, and although he rarely shoots from deep he’s sporting a great three-point percentage. Unfortunately the Bucks hemorrhage points defensively when Beasley is on the floor, whereas somehow the team has a positive net rating in Mirza minutes.
Beasley can score off the dribble without much help, something the second unit will need now that the Bucks won’t have the option of staggering Giannis and Jabari so one of them is almost always out there.
Logically, it would seem that Teletovic is the safest choice, although Thon Maker might be more fun of an option. It will be interesting to see how Kidd handles the forward situation, both against L.A. and going forward for the rest of the season.