Milwaukee Bucks: The case for starting Bryn Forbes against Brooklyn Nets

Why the Brooklyn Nets will test Milwaukee Bucks sharpshooter Bryn Forbes

Forbes has improved as a defender under Bucks head Budenholzer, but the Bucks’ upcoming series will be a barometer for his development.

Forbes’ poor instincts and slow reaction time put him behind in possessions often as he lacks the lateral quickness and physicality to regain an advantage. Holistically, he has a difficult time maintaining his defensive position – an area in which DiVincenzo excelled.

Brooklyn will test these flaws wherever possible. As a starter, Forbes could be defending anyone of Kyrie Irving, James Harden or Joe Harris, any of whom could expose our guard and force Budenholzer to dive deeper into the bench. Check out what happened in Milwaukee’s most recent clash with Brooklyn when Forbes drew Irving:

Brooklyn recognizes Kyrie’s matchup and immediately creates an isolation opportunity for him.  With the other four Bucks tending to their distant assignments, Forbes stands alone in the arena.  It’s him vs. Irving for the possession.

Our guard fronts Kyrie well on his initial drive, but a greedy pressure leaves him vulnerable to Kyrie’s quickness. In one dribble, Irving has Forbes on his hip, reducing him to a mere spectator as Kyrie’s jumper kisses the glass.

Obviously, Kyrie Irving punishes most players in isolation. The harsh reality, though, is that Brooklyn will force Forbes into these situations as long as he’s on the court.

Milwaukee will always be at a defensive disadvantage when Forbes is on the floor, but with extra help they can still compensate. Elite scorers like Irving and Harden always command help and the Bucks will just have to be especially ready if Forbes matches up with them.

In our previous play, the aggressive isolation actually leaves Kyrie vulnerable to a double team.  Milwaukee only needs three defenders to cover the four poorly-spaced Nets, allowing them to reinforce Forbes with a help defender. Unfortunately, the team fails to capitalize.

Giannis drifts to the basket during Kyrie’s initial move, but stands still as he actually threatens the paint. This second cut is what shakes Forbes – here is where he needs help. If Giannis establishes position on the paint’s edge early, he erases Kyrie’s angle and saves the possession.

No defender can simply lock down a superstar, but a cohesive unit can contain them and make them work for their buckets. With four focused Bucks behind him, Forbes cannot be so immediately exposed.

DiVincenzo’s absence will be difficult to overcome, but Forbes has the offensive ability to keep Milwaukee’s scheme running. His defensive gaps will make Milwaukee work, but they have the surrounding personnel to stay alive. From there, it’s on them to execute.

Whether Forbes ultimately steps into the Bucks’ starting lineup remains to be seen, but there are numerous ways the Bucks would benefit with Forbes having an expanded role in light of Milwaukee losing DiVincenzo. However, it doesn’t come without major concerns, either.