Milwaukee Bucks: 3 reasons for D.J. Augustin’s early struggles

Milwaukee Bucks: Reason No. 1 for D.J. Augustin’s struggles – Major inconsistencies

Much like every other member of the Bucks’ second unit this season, inconsistencies have been a looming issue for Augustin early on. This has plagued the production from the reserves, which certainly ties into Augustin’s struggles both offensively and trying to find that steady role for himself within the rotation.

The most telling way to decipher it is by looking at the veteran’s stats in both wins and losses this season. In Milwaukee’s victories, Augustin has scored the ball with better efficiency off the bench, averaging 7.6 points by shooting 32-of-71 (45.1 percent) and 25-of-50 (50 percent) from behind the arc. All four of his double-digit scoring outings have come when Milwaukee wins the game, which is certainly not a coincidence.

In losses, it has been an entirely different story for Augustin. The veteran has averaged a horrendous 1.9 points on 4-of-29 (13.8 percent) shooting and 1-of-14 (7.1 percent) from 3-point range when the Bucks lose. As evidenced by these awful numbers, Augustin has been virtually unplayable in such contests, which has hindered the Bucks drastically when they rely on him to provide that spark off the bench.

There is no quick fix for inconsistencies in basketball, especially ones to this degree. Hopefully, the more run D.J. gets with the Bucks, the more comfortable he grows within the offense, and the shots start to fall consistently. This hot and cold play from the veteran has been agonizing, particularly because he could be an X-factor off the bench when he finds his niche.

With that said, there is more time for Augustin to settle in and find his footing in Milwaukee as we’ve only just past the quarter-way mark this 2020-21 season.