Milwaukee Bucks: Analyzing the updated 2021-22 small forward rotation

The Milwaukee Bucks have had excellent depth at the small forward position for the past few seasons.

Khris Middleton and Pat Connaughton have made significant impacts on the team at the small forward. However, with a key piece to Milwaukee’s title run signing elsewhere in free agency, the Bucks found themselves looking to add another piece to their rotation to fill in the gaps.

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P.J. Tucker, a player who certainly became a fan favorite, signed with the Miami Heat after free agency opened. With plenty of controversy surrounding the Bucks’ odd decision to not bring back the lockdown defender, Milwaukee looked elsewhere. In their search for added depth, the Bucks found themselves a reliable shooter in Rodney Hood. This move solidified the Bucks’ small forward rotation as one of the groups with the best scoring potential.

With that said, let’s take a look at the 2021-22 small forward rotation.

Khris Middleton will look to add another productive season at small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks

Middleton proved to be an excellent second option on a championship team as the Bucks ended their lengthy title drought.

Spending eight years in Milwaukee alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, the duo finally reached their goal of securing the Larry O’Brien Trophy. In the championship season, Middleton provided one of the most productive seasons of his career. Milwaukee’s second option averaged 20.4 points on astonishing .476/.414/.844 shooting splits.

In Milwaukee’s playoff run, Khris averaged 23.6 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Middleton provided clutch play, including a near buzzer-beating game-winner in overtime of Game 1 of Milwaukee’s first-round matchup versus the Miami Heat. Undoubtedly, Middleton proved his worth as one of the best small forwards in the league.

Shifting to next season, Middleton is poised for another productive year. The 30-year-old has been hovering near 20 points per game for the last four seasons and shows no signs of slowing down. Khris’ shooting ability is his main draw, but his playmaking ability is at a level that complements the Bucks perfectly. Middleton’s versatility as a swingman provides so many options for Milwaukee. With Khris at the helm of the small forward rotation, the Bucks frontcourt will be able to match up well with some of the league’s best.

Middleton has brought a level of consistency to Milwaukee that has allowed them to be contenders in recent years. If Middleton continues on his current trajectory, the Bucks will be contenders once again in their chase to secure another NBA title.