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.
Donte DiVincenzo could shock the world with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021-22
After suffering a season-ending injury in the first round of the playoffs, Bucks fans have seemingly forgotten about – or given up on – Donte DiVincenzo.
Despite missing the final three rounds of the postseason and seeing the Bucks win a title in his absence, DiVincenzo played a key role for the team throughout the year. While there were nights where he struggled, the third-year guard made the transition into the starting lineup and pieced together a career year. Consistency undoubtedly was an issue, as it has been since he came into the league, but DiVincenzo had an all-around solid season.
As he braces for year four, there are many question marks surrounding him. The first involves his health and when he will be ready to take the court. That will ultimately determine if he retains his starting spot on opening night, which will continue to be a talking point until the team gives a clear indication down the line. If he is indeed healing, the 24-year-old could be gearing up for not just a bounce-back year but the best season of his career to date.
DiVincenzo showed glimpses of potential last season with his increased workload, but he failed to stay consistent. When he was clicking, the guard was often knocking down his 3-pointers without hesitation, playing reputable defense, and skying above everyone else for rebounds. If he can keep things consistent heading into next year and play a prominent role once again, he could be poised for big things.
Entering the 2021-22 season, DiVincenzo should have a massive chip on his shoulder. Between the team’s addition of Allen and his own impending restricted free agency approaching at the end of the year, DiVincenzo should be beyond motivated to prove himself with the Bucks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo could shock the world with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021-22
At 26-years-old, Giannis Antetokounmpo has built up a résumé with the Bucks that few players in NBA history will ever top.
He finally added NBA Champion and Finals MVP to his long list of accomplishments this past year as the Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns in six games. Entering his ninth NBA season, there is still room for Antetokounmpo to grow, as crazy as it sounds, considering he is a two-time MVP, Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year winner. Antetokounmpo has hardly grazed his prime years yet, and he should unquestionably be motivated entering next season after he proved many of his doubters wrong with the title win.
While voter fatigue clouded his chances to earn any major regular season awards during 2020-21 because of the team’s prior playoff flameouts, those concerns are no longer. With that ring on his finger, Antetokounmpo will likely get the respect he deserves and see his name return to the mix for MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and consideration for other awards next season. If he does take another leap entering year nine, which seems crazy to think given his already elite talent, the soon-to-be 27-year-old could certainly have another historic campaign.
Despite finally becoming a champion, the reigning Finals MVP certainly has no plans of slowing down next season and beyond.