Milwaukee Bucks: Whose stock is rising and falling?

DeAndre Liggins

Coming into the season, it was unclear who would claim the Bucks’ 15th roster spot. The team brought in a multitude of veterans, looked at promoting last year’s two-way players into full-time positions, and ultimately decided to claim DeAndre Liggins off waivers.

At the time of the pickup, most expected Liggins to be a bit-part player who would likely only play if a rash of injuries were to occur. Early on in the season, DeAndre Liggins worked his way into the rotation, though.

As of late, injuries have caused an even bigger role for Liggins, but even prior to the injuries, he played consistent minutes. Liggins has played in 22 of the last 23 contests and 16 in-a-row, while averaging 16.1 minutes-per-game.

Offensively, Liggins doesn’t provide much. He is not proficient either scoring the basketball or playmaking for others. However, he is an adequate enough shooter to keep the defense honest, which is enough considering what he provides on the other end. More than anything, the biggest problem the Bucks are facing with Liggins’ offense is convincing him to take shots when he’s open.

The defensive end is where Liggins makes his impact. Liggins is a rangy defender, with lightning quick hands and feet, who wears opponents out with his relentlessness. This relentlessness has led to two steals and nearly a whole blocked shot per 36, impressive numbers for a player who plays a majority of his time at the shooting guard position.

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Liggins is not a superstar and he will likely never be a regular starter, but at the 15th roster spot on a minimum salary, the Bucks are getting way more than they ever should have expected to start the season.