Milwaukee Bucks: Analyzing 20-25+ minute rotational players for 2021-22

After an eventful offseason, Milwaukee Bucks basketball is just around the corner.

With the starting rotation likely set in stone, players will be fighting for a chance to earn minutes in the rotation. With several rotation players returning, it is likely they will see a similar or increased workload as Milwaukee looks to defend its title. With that said, here are the minute predictions for Milwaukee’s rotation players.

Bobby Portis will see a large rotational workload in his second year with the Milwaukee Bucks

Bobby Portis was a key rotational player for Milwaukee during the championship run and certainly became a fan favorite. Once it was announced that Portis would be returning to Milwaukee on a new two-way deal, it seemed likely that his role would stay the same or increase.

Although his workload dipped during the second-round matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, Portis found himself in the rotation once again following the thrilling seven-game series. Portis will likely be Milwaukee’s sixth man, subbing in for Brook Lopez or Giannis Antetokounmpo. His intensity pays dividends to Milwaukee’s second unit. In his second year, Portis will certainly establish himself as the leader of the second unit.

The vet has plenty of potential from beyond the arc and brings excellent rebounding skills to his repertoire. Portis still has some way to go to become an elite defender, but his defense is solid enough to defend opposing teams’ second units. Portis will be poised to have another key role in his second season with Milwaukee. With Portis sitting around 20-25 rotational minutes last season, it is likely Portis will take on about 25 minutes in the 2021-22 season.

Regardless of Portis’ workload, he will bring plenty of intensity on both ends of the floor. The fan-favorite will be ready to continue his key role in his second year in Milwaukee.

Pat Connaughton will once again be a key rotational contributor with the Milwaukee Bucks

Pat Connaughton has been a staple in the Bucks’ second unit during his years in Milwaukee.

Connaughton has the skill that allows him to play multiple positions, as he has seen some time anywhere from the shooting guard to the power forward in small-ball lineups. Pat’s intensity is certainly his main draw. The scrappy vet can be seen diving for loose balls, skying high for rebounds, and switching with ease on the defensive end.

The veteran is coming off an excellent stretch in the playoffs as he was the best 3-point shooter in the NBA Finals. Connaughton’s shooting ability hasn’t been extremely consistent, but he has the ability to go on hot streaks. Connaughton has a great understanding of Milwaukee’s system heading into his fourth year with the Bucks. That knowledge will be key to helping the Bucks in their second unit. He will see time from multiple positions, and his contributions will be very important, especially in his intensity and effort on both ends. The guard will likely see around the same rotational minutes from last season. If that remains true, Connaughton will likely sit around 25 minutes per game.

Connaughton will once again be a staple for Milwaukee’s second unit in the 2021-22 season. Keep an eye on the scrappy vet as he takes the floor for his fourth year in Milwaukee.