Milwaukee Bucks: 3 players who could shock the NBA world in 2021-22
By Dalton Sell
The Milwaukee Bucks had a pleasantly surprising season in 2020-21 by ending their 50-year title drought and reclaiming their spot as world champions.
While it was undeniably a collective effort, the Bucks got some surprisingly great seasons out of several key role players. The most prominent name that comes to mind is Bobby Portis, who was mainly glossed over when the Bucks signed him in the offseason on a two-year deal. Portis would become a staple in the rotation and play a significant role throughout the team’s title run, claiming his place as a fan-favorite among the fanbase.
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Another was Bryn Forbes, whose electric perimeter shooting helped him have an insanely impressive playoff series vs. the Miami Heat in the first round as the Bucks kicked off the postseason with a bang.
Entering the 2021-22 season, the Bucks have several players on their roster that could potentially be worthy candidates for a similar type of break-out season after the team went ahead and revamped the roster in the offseason.
With that being said, here are three Bucks that could shock the NBA in 2021-22.
Grayson Allen could shock the world with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021-22
Of all the moves that the Bucks made this offseason, the decision to trade for Grayson Allen has garnered arguably the most interest.
Trading Sam Merrill and two future second rounders, Milwaukee brought in a player that will immediately make an impact, leaving fans to debate just how big of a role he could play. Some have clamored for Allen to take the role as the starting shooting guard, while others believe the 25-year-old would be best suited to come off the bench. Whether he starts or not is a topic for a different discussion, but no matter when he checks into the game, Allen is tailor-made to succeed on this Bucks team.
Looking back at his first three seasons in the NBA, what stands out the most is Allen’s impressive 3-point shot. Knocking down 38.1 percent of his triples on 4.1 attempts per contest, the guard has turned himself into a reliable shooter, which will help him carve out a role with the Bucks. With the Bucks losing Forbes in free agency, Allen’s sweet-shooting will help them as they look to fill the void left behind by their sharpshooting guard.
Defensively, he will fit right in, given how much the Bucks emphasize that side of the ball. While he may not be an All-Defensive candidate, Allen brings intensity to the floor, and not just with antics that he has been giving a reputation for. He can hold his own and should help shore up the team’s defense on the wing further.
On paper, Allen has the attributes to fit in with the Bucks seamlessly. If all goes according to plan, he could have a surprisingly great season on both ends of the ball. Who knows, he could even be named the opening night starter over the next month or so. Playing for a top-tier contender for the Bucks could allow the guard to thrive and showcase his talent to the world.