Milwaukee Bucks: Pat Connaughton’s future should be with the franchise
By Dalton Sell
Pat Connaughton turned into a household name over the past two years, but with free agency ahead, has the guard played his last game for the Milwaukee Bucks?
Over these past two seasons, Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Pat Connaughton has asserted himself as the perfect example of what a role player is supposed to be. The 27-year-old was always prepared for the call off the bench and impacted the game immediately whenever he checked in.
Whether it was a three-point barrage or an emphatic putback dunk, Connaughton provided a vital spark when given the opportunity. Due to his highlight reel level plays, Connaughton not only turned into a household name in Milwaukee, but around the league, and elevated even further when he participated in this year’s Slam Dunk Contest.
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Over the past two seasons for the Milwaukee Bucks, Connaughton averaged a combined 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Although these numbers appear lackluster on paper, Connaughton’s play impacted the game beyond these stats.
The guard is not the type of player to score thirty points per night, but rather an impact player, a high-energy guy who knows his role. With five years of NBA experience under his belt, four of which included trips to the postseason (five if this season were to resume) Connaughton has provided winning experience and veteran leadership to a team looking to contend.
Connaughton is the kind of player that every team in the league needs, which could pose a problem for the Milwaukee Bucks if they are looking to keep him with the franchise. The 27-year old could be on several teams’ radars in free agency, and he could possibly be lured away from Milwaukee. Still, if this season has unknowingly already ended, Connaughton may have seemingly already decided on his future in the NBA.
In light of the NBA’s stoppage, Connaughton shared his desire to stay with the Bucks in an interview with SB Nation. When asked about his near future in the NBA with free agency on the horizon, Connaughton responded,
"“I want to continue to be part of the Milwaukee Bucks as a championship contender, and I want to continue to help my team eventually win a championship, two, three, four, whatever it is. What my contract looks like while I’m doing that? If it was more money and more guaranteed years, absolutely, I’d love that. But as long as I’m here, as long as I’m playing, as long as I’m doing my job to continue to be an NBA player, a dream that I wanted to accomplish since I was a kid, it’s quite possible I make more money outside of basketball than I do in basketball when it’s all said and done.”"
With these comments, Connaughton has made it clear he wants to remain a member of the Bucks for the long haul. So, should the Bucks feel the same and look to retain Connaughton? Absolutely.
As previously stated, every team in the league needs a high energy role player, and Pat Connaughton has molded into the perfect fit for Milwaukee in his two seasons. Connaughton is not going to make or break a championship contender, but what he brings to the table each night is much needed.
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Connaughton also stated that money is not his top priority. Instead, it’s winning, which makes Pat and the Milwaukee Bucks a perfect match. With a common goal in mind, the likelihood of seeing Connaughton in a Bucks jersey next season is very high.