Milwaukee Bucks: Why Donte DiVincenzo should be motivated in 2021-22

No. 2 — The Milwaukee Bucks traded for Donte DiVincenzo’s potential replacement this offseason in Grayson Allen

The Bucks trading for Grayson Allen has been arguably the most discussed storyline of their busy offseason, and understandably so. The most prominent question being debated among fans has been whether or not Allen should be the team’s new starting shooting guard over DiVincenzo.

If DiVincenzo is still recovering by the time next season rolls around, Allen will certainly get the call in the starting five. However, what if DiVincenzo has recovered? Would he be guaranteed his spot, or could he be demoted to the bench in favor of the newcomer? Both players have cases to be placed in the starting lineup, and that is among the toughest decisions that Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer will have to answer in the coming weeks leading up to next season.

If DiVincenzo is ready to roll by training camp, perhaps that question could help fuel competition between the two. After all, Allen has a great chance to start after piecing together a career year with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he was primarily a starter. The guard brings some defensive intensity into the fold and is a superior 3-point shooter to DiVincenzo. Coming into camp more motivated than ever to prove his place in the lineup, if healthy, would certainly catch the attention of the front office and players alike.

While there will not be any animosity directed toward one another because the goal is ultimately to win a title together, the surprising addition of Allen should help light a fire under DiVincenzo. In addition to potentially taking his starting spot, Allen is also set to be a restricted free agent after the 2021-22 season, and perhaps he could be in for a big payday if he lives up to expectations and DiVincenzo does not.