Milwaukee Bucks: 3 solid goals for Pat Connaughton in the 2021-22 season

Pat Connaughton can keep things consistent in the 2021-22 season with the Milwaukee Bucks

This might seem like a cop-out, but the biggest thing for Connaughton is to keep doing what he’s doing. The famous line from Antetokounmpo talks about being a star in your role, and that’s exactly what Connaughton was last season for the Bucks.

He really found his niche as a 3-and-D wing player that can thrive in a more switchable, active defense where he can use his impressive athleticism to create havoc. He’s always been valuable for his rebounding and defensive versatility, then he added a consistent 3-point shot. It was easily Connaughton’s best season overall, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

That shooting and rebounding come in handy when playing in a small ball lineup with Giannis at center, where they may be a bit undersized, but Connaughton has always played bigger than he is because of his vertical athleticism. The key for Connaughton has always been not trying to do too much, whether that be on offense with taking ill-advised shots or drives to the basket, or defense with taking too many gambles, leading to his notoriously high foul rate.

Connaughton will never be a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, but he’s a very valuable piece to a team that has desires to repeat as NBA champions this season. I didn’t want to give too many unrealistic goals for a player that sometimes benefits from a “less is more” mentality. He put together a very solid season at both ends, and while there will always be those who don’t see the value that Connaughton brings or think that he’s not someone who can be relied upon in big moments, we’ve now seen that from him.

Connaughton is the perfect role player, and I don’t think there’s much anyone would want him to improve upon in the next season. If he keeps doing what he does best in his role, and that’s a pretty perfect season.