Fight for consistent minutes in the rotation
As we’ve covered in previous previews for his new backcourt teammates, Connaughton comes into his first year with the Bucks with minutes to be had on the wing.
Connaughton will face plenty of competition to carve out a consistent role within the Bucks’ wing rotation as Tony Snell, Sterling Brown, Donte DiVincenzo will all vie for playing time beyond likely starter Malcolm Brogdon at Connaughton’s primary position.
Although he may be undersized or may not be needed for it, Connaughton does have plenty of familiarity with playing at the 3 during his time with the Blazers. That usage would only lead to even more spaced out and shooting heavy lineups than the Bucks are already keen on deploying under Budenholzer and his staff, though that may be subject to change.
Regardless of where he’d be slotted into the lineup, Connaughton has to force the issue with his play to be embedded within the Bucks’ rotation throughout the season.
If his third season stood as a stepping stone in his career in this regard, his fourth, and first with the Bucks, could be where Connaughton fully cements himself as an NBA rotation player.