Milwaukee Bucks: Weighing options at the starting shooting guard spot

Could Grayson Allen start at shooting guard for the Milwaukee Bucks?

Milwaukee’s recent trade for Grayson Allen is where things will get interesting when it comes to determining their starting shooting guard next season.

Dealing Sam Merrill and two future second round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies for the guard, the Bucks clearly view Allen as someone who can make an immediate impact. That could result in him claiming the starting shooting guard slot opening night next season, where he would be a fitting player to round out the lineup. Allen does have starting experience as he started in 38 of the 50 games for Memphis this past year, showing that he can play a meaningful role on a contender.

Another reason why Allen could quickly earn a spot in the starting five is his 3-point shooting, as he has shot 38.1 percent from deep over his first three seasons. Heaving 4.1 attempts per game, that connection rate is undeniable serviceable and would make him a seamless fit with an offense that loves letting it fly from 3-point range. Coming off a season where he averaged a career-high 10.6 points per game, the guard packs a scoring punch.

The 25-year-old is also a reputable enough defender that the Bucks would not lose too much of a step by throwing him into the mix. While many solely categorize Allen as an agitator, he is a sound defender that can hold his own on that side of the floor. Due to that defensive presence and his ability to score the basketball, Allen’s case to start at shooting guard for the Bucks is currently one of the mere justifiable.