Milwaukee Bucks 2018-19 Season Review: Pat Connaughton
By Adam McGee
The best of Connaughton
Unsurprisingly, Connaughton was at his best this season when he leaned into the elements of the game that come most naturally to him.
In other words, when Connaughton allowed his physical gifts, mental strength, and determination to come to the fore, it led to positive things happening for the Bucks.
Those elements combined for good in a variety of different ways. Firstly, Connaughton’s astonishing athleticism proved to have no shortage of utility on both ends, regardless of what Milwaukee’s gameplan was at any given moment.
The Massachussetts native’s impressive hops allowed him to sky for countless rebounds (7.4 per 36 minutes), as well as finishing strongly at the rim at every possible opportunity. Connaughton’s work off the ball was frequently some of the best of any Buck, and his cutting set up a host of simple dunks over the course of the year.
Elsewhere, Connaughton’s energy reliably offered the Bucks something of a jump start coming off the bench. His overall effectiveness is always going to be influenced by how many of his shots are falling, but Connaughton’s attitude ensures he’s always striving to make a positive influence in any way that he can.
His ability to set the tone off the bench was key for Milwaukee, particularly in allowing the team’s starters to get a lot more rest than they’d ever previously been accustomed to.
On top of that, Connaughton’s willingness to embrace any challenge was a boost to Milwaukee’s lineup flexibility and made him a key cog when the team pivoted to a switching defense.