Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things to watch for in 2021-22 preseason

3 things to watch for in the Milwaukee Bucks 2021-22 preseason: Who will lock down the final starting lineup spot?

As I mentioned, this preseason will give a player like Allen the chance to earn his way into the starting lineup, with Donte DiVincenzo being either limited or unavailable to begin the season; the latter being more likely.

That has opened up one of the biggest questions around Bucks training camp for who exactly will fill that final spot. On the surface, you’d think Pat Connaughton would have the upper hand as he has been with Budenholzer for three seasons, now going on his fourth. However, as Allen explained at media day, there are a lot of similarities between what Budenholzer runs and what he did with the Memphis Grizzlies.

"I have a little bit of an advantage coming from playing with coach [Taylor] Jenkins. All of the terminology is exactly the same, at least from what I know so far. I remember even playing the Bucks last year, they’re calling out actions that are the exact same name as ours. I think that’ll help me get adjusted quicker."

With Allen already feeling relatively comfortable with what the Bucks want to do, how Budenholzer coaches, and what the terminology is, this should make for an interesting battle in training camp between the wings like Allen, Connaughton, and even Hood, who could more than fill the offensive hole that not having DiVincenzo would leave.

Realistically, it comes down to Allen or Connaughton for that starting lineup spot to begin the season. Although it should be DiVincenzo’s when he eventually returns, there’s a real chance for Allen to impress and not only earn a spot in the starting lineup but earn Budenholzer’s trust going forward to play important minutes in the playoffs.