Milwaukee Bucks: Ranking all 5 starters for the 2021-22 NBA season
By Dalton Sell
The Milwaukee Bucks unquestionably have one of the best starting fives entering the 2021-22 NBA season.
It is relatively the same as last year, except they will be without their starting small forward from their championship run in P.J. Tucker. Of course, the fan-favorite took his talents to South Beach in free agency, leaving the team without a player that would have competed for a starting spot. Still, it is not like Tucker’s absence leaves the Bucks without any options. This roster is still loaded with talented names, especially up front, and head coach Mike Budenholzer should have no problem in piecing together a formidable lineup. With that being said, here is a ranking of the Bucks’ projected 2021-22 starting five.
Ranking 2021-22 Milwaukee Bucks starters: No. 5 – Donte DiVincenzo or Grayson Allen
The only uncertainty in the starting unit for the Bucks is who will be slotted at shooting guard when opening night finally comes. The two obvious candidates for the job are Grayson Allen and Donte DiVincenzo, both of whom would be the fifth-best starter in the lineup as constructed.
DiVincenzo is coming off a career year with the Bucks, where he started in every regular season game he appeared in last season. Averaging new career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, and several other categories, it would make sense to keep him at two-guard next season. However, the biggest issue with that is that DiVincenzo is still recovering from ankle surgery after getting injured in Milwaukee’s first round matchup against the Miami Heat in the playoffs. The guard has not begun 5-on-5 work during training camp, and he appears unlikely to be ready by the opener.
While nothing is certain on the DiVincenzo front quite yet, the Bucks brought in someone who will likely fill that role for the meantime in Allen. The guard brings plenty to the table that should help the Bucks, including outside shooting, intensity, and solid passing. He has all the tools to succeed with the team, and it seems like everyone is justifiably excited to see him in action. The first time he takes the court in an NBA game with the Bucks will likely come with the starters, and although he might be the fifth-best player in the lineup, he seems destined to be a key piece.