Entering the 2020-21 season, the Milwaukee Bucks had a handful of players and coaches that had something to prove.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was forced to prove that his decision to sign the supermax extension with the Bucks was a wise decision and that he could translate his regular-season success over into the postseason. Khris Middleton was once again tasked with proving that he could be the second-best player on a championship-caliber team. To round out the top three, head coach Mike Budenholzer would be put to the test in proving that he could adapt in the playoffs, all while rumors swirled all year that he was on the hot seat if the team failed to meet expectations under him yet again.
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After a turbulent year, those three proved their doubters wrong as the Bucks were crowned world champions for the first time in 50 years, silencing all those who doubted what they were capable of doing.
Coming off their title-winning campaign, it is safe to say that the team does not have too many players with something to prove next season. They did that last year. Yet, there could be some interesting cases to a lesser degree that are worth noting before the season begins.
With that being said, here are three Bucks with something to prove throughout the upcoming 2021-22 NBA season.
Rodney Hood has something to prove with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021-22
Perhaps no signing made by the Bucks this past offseason has more mystery behind it than the addition of Rodney Hood. Inking Hood to a one-year deal worth the minimum, it was a low-risk move to make, but the success that ultimately comes from it will depend on which version of Hood that the Bucks get.
Early on in his career, Hood was a lethal scorer from wherever he was on the floor. Throughout the first six seasons of his career, Hood averaged double-digit scoring on five occasions, with the lone exception being his rookie season. That version of Hood would have undoubtedly been a massive addition to Milwaukee’s second unit, but unfortunately, the last two years have not been kind to the swingman as he has been bombarded with injuries.
He played in 21 games during the 2019-20 season before suffering a ruptured Achillies, which sidelined him for a significant amount of time. When he returned the following season, he never quite looked the same, and understandably so as he looked to regain his footing. He would be hit with injuries once again as he battled a hip injury and suffered a fractured hand this past season, clocking the worst statistical season of his career to date.
That would be why the Bucks got him on a cheap deal, as Hood is essentially just looking to prove his place in this league, and the defending champions can give him that chance. If healthy, Hood could regain some rhythm and return to his days as a prolific scorer on one of the best teams in the association and potentially get his career back on the right track. He will have to prove that he can stay healthy and show some resemblance that he can be the player he was before this recent string of unfortunate injuries.
This “prove it deal” is great for both parties, and time will tell if Hood can ultimately prove himself with the champs.
Grayson Allen has something to prove with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021-22
Arguably Milwaukee’s best addition this offseason was Grayson Allen, who came over in a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. It was a surprising move for the reigning champions, but one that has the utmost potential to make general manager Jon Horst look like a genius if all goes according to plan throughout the 2020-21 campaign.
Among the many interesting facts about this deal, one of the most prominent is that Allen is set to hit restricted free agency after the season. This year will essentially be about proving his place in the league as he looks to secure his first major extension, and what better place to do it than with the team that just won the NBA title not too long ago?
Allen comes to Milwaukee following a career year with Memphis, starting in a chunk of games for the franchise. Many will argue that he should be the Bucks’ starting two-guard, and that claim is certainly viable. Whether he does start or come off the bench, the guard will have to adapt to this new environment and carve out a role for himself on a contending team that is loaded with talent at the position. Given his prolific shooting and intense presence on the defensive end, Allen should fit right in with the Bucks and help them defend their crown next season.
If he can live up to expectations and play the key role that many have already envisioned for him next year, he could undeniably earn a big payday in the offseason. He seems poised for big things in Milwaukee, and it will be fascinating to see how it shakes out.
Donte DiVincenzo has something to prove with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021-22
Among the Bucks on this list, none face more pressure than Donte DiVincenzo as he prepares for year four in Milwaukee. Throughout his first three seasons with the team, the guard has been hit or miss, and with restricted free agency coming up after the season, he will have to prove himself worthy of a big extension.
First and foremost, he will have to be healthy. DiVincenzo went down in Milwaukee’s first round series against the Miami Heat this past season and has spent the offseason recovering. It is the second season-ending foot injury the 24-year-old has suffered in his three-year career, having a battle with bilateral heel bursitis during his rookie season. DiVincenzo must prove that he will be healthy but also that he can perform at a high level consistently when he is fortunate enough to be on the floor.
The biggest knock on DiVincenzo to this point has been his inconsistency. In some games, he will look fantastic, while in others, he will be downright awful. He has not quite managed to find a balance in his career, but if he will retain his starting spot next season and potentially beyond, he must find a way to piece it all together and play well on a nightly basis. DiVincenzo took strides last season in his shooting, rebounding, and defense, but his health ultimately cut his season short in what could have been a telling playoff run for him.
Entering year four, DiVincenzo will have to put together a bounce-back campaign as his future with the team is seemingly up in the air.