Milwaukee Bucks: 3 ways Grayson Allen can earn starting job in preseason

Grayson Allen can make his starting case for the Milwaukee Bucks by playing reputable defense

Circling back to Tucker, the Bucks will have a tough time replacing his defensive presence in the starting lineup this coming season. It does not help that DiVincenzo will also likely miss time, so that means Allen will have to take on some of that workload defensively. Allen is by no means a negative defender, but he knows how important his efforts on defense will be playing here, which the guard discussed during the team’s Media Day.

"“People talk about me being a fiery competitor in college, I was terrible at defense in college, though. So that’s something I’ve gotten better at once I got to the league and I think last year was a huge step forward for me defensively and I think that’s something I’ll continue to build on, especially being part of a culture that is a really good defensive culture. I think the only way to go is up playing here.”"

Allen hit the nail on the head when discussing how playing with the Bucks should help improve his game defensively. Practicing daily alongside a defensive guru in Holiday, who will be his partner in the starting backcourt, the guard has surely picked up a few pointers. Coach Mike Budenholzer is likely to push his new player also, understanding that Allen will be tasked with guarding household names if he is granted the starting spot. Time will tell if all that practice with the Bucks will pay off as the team gears up for the preseason.

While it will not be the ultimate measuring stick, seeing how Allen holds up defensively against the opposing players in these preseason games will be worth monitoring. He has earned a reputation as an agitator, and perhaps he could put that to good use defensively. If Allen stands out on that side of the ball or possibly even impresses, then it will only bolster his chances to hear his name called with the starters on opening night.