Milwaukee Bucks: 3 options worth considering for 2021-22 starting unit
By Dalton Sell
Option 2 for Milwaukee Bucks’ 2021-22 starting 5 – Holiday, DiVincenzo, Middleton, Antetokounmpo, Lopez
This was the starting five that the Bucks rolled with throughout the 2021-22 season, making it likely that it sticks heading into next year.
The biggest question mark surrounding this unit involves Donte DiVincenzo, who is currently recovering from season-ending surgery. The 23-year-old had served as Milwaukee’s starting shooting guard up until he got hurt in the team’s first round series against the Miami Heat. That injury to a key rotational player prompted Tucker to slide into the lineup, and there are questions about whether or not DiVincenzo will be healthy enough to reclaim his starting spot.
If that ankle has recovered, the safe bet would have DiVincenzo returning to the starting five like he never left. One advantage that he boasts over everyone else is that he already has an entire year of previous experience under his belt playing with the other four players and could make the decision easier for Budenholzer. The trust in DiVincenzo is there, and his familiarity with the team could earn him that starting spot for the second consecutive season.
On the floor, DiVincenzo took significant strides during his junior season with the Bucks by averaging career-highs in points, 3-point percentage, rebounds, and assists. While consistency on the offensive end remains a massive issue, the guard knows how to play his role in other aspects of the game to help this team. With an improved 3-point shot and newfound knack for rebounding the basketball while also forming a solid defensive duo in the backcourt with Holiday, DiVincenzo has carved out a rose with the team that drafted him.
It would not be surprising to see DiVinenzo starting again next season, but it ultimately comes down to his health. If he is ready from the jump next season, he could be poised for big things in his fourth year with the Bucks.