Increasing impact on defensive end
The other leading area of contribution in his game, wading through Snell’s services defensively can draw varying conclusions from Bucks fans due to a few factors.
On one hand, Snell had often been tasked with checking the best or most influential player in the backcourt of opposing teams around the league under the Bucks’ previous coaching regime the last two years.
That unenviable duty can paint Snell’s defensive capabilities in an unflattering light on certain nights and especially as the Bucks’ overall struggles and defective schemes became more pronounced throughout last season.
On the other hand, Snell’s reactive defensive tendencies equally came into focus during last year, though it’s fair to wonder how much of the Bucks’ failings on that end contributed to that.
Nevertheless, the results showed that the Bucks performed better defensively in the minutes Snell was on the bench rather than on the court. Per NBA.com/stats, the Bucks allowed 105.2 points per 100 possessions in the 1,913 minutes Snell wasn’t on the floor and gave up 108.9 points per 100 possessions in the 2,053 minutes he was on the court.
With the goals the Bucks are placing on that end of the floor, Snell simply has to be a more stout defender that can impact the game within the scheme Coach Bud and his staff design for the team.
There’s no debate he has the tools and recognition to do so, but executing all the responsibilities and any role change he may experience within the team’s defensive system will be key for him to adjust to.