Milwaukee Bucks: Players that will compete for NBA awards in 2021-22

Bobby Portis and George Hill could compete for Sixth Man of the Year with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021-22

The Bucks made several moves to improve their second unit this offseason, and they could pay dividends down the road.

Their biggest move was retaining Bobby Portis, who took a pay cut to stay with the Bucks on a two-year deal worth $9 million. Fans were ecstatic with the move as Portis played a key role in the team’s success last year, immediately carving out a role for himself. His shooting, rebounding, and immense intensity helped the big man fit right in, and he averaged 11.4 points while shooting 52.3 percent from the floor and 47.1 percent from 3-point territory while hauling in 7.1 rebounds per contest. While it looked like a longshot for him to win the award, Portis did deservingly receive votes for Sixth Man of the Year honors during the 2020-21 season.

If Portis could have another similarly productive season in 2021-22, he could be mentioned in the sixth man conversation once again. It will be a tall task to replicate the career-best shooting that he displayed last year, but not impossible. With a year under his belt with the Bucks, he should be more accustomed to how they like to operate both offensively and defensively. Ultimately, it will hinge on his statistical production, although Bucks fans know his contributions go beyond that.

Another player that could sneak their way into the discussion is George Hill. The Bucks brought the veteran back for what will be his second stint with the franchise on a solid deal this offseason, and he fills a position of need in the backup point guard slot. Given that the guard already has previous experience playing under Budenholzer and with players like Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez, he could have an easy time getting reacquainted with the team. While it seems like a stretch that Hill could put up the numbers to win Sixth Man honors, it is possible to some extent.

The Bucks could have several award winners by the time the NBA’s 2021-22 season ends as these players will compete for various awards.