Milwaukee Bucks: 3 players to keep an eye on in the 2021 preseason
By Dalton Sell
The Milwaukee Bucks are back in action tonight as they will face the Memphis Grizzlies in their 2021 preseason opener.
Everyone is certainly excited to see the defending champions back in action, although it might not be the team at full strength. The Bucks are slightly banged up, with Giannis Antetokounmpo still recovering from his hyperextended knee, Donte DiVincenzo still working his way back from ankle surgery, and several other cases. Who knows how much Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday will also play after their shortened offseason due to the postseason and Tokyo Olympics immediately after. The Bucks are a cautious team, so they will not push anyone to play, but regardless, a game will be played tonight in Memphis. With that being said, here are three players to keep an eye on.
Milwaukee Bucks: Keep an eye on Sandro Mamukelashvili in 2021 preseason
The Bucks selected Sandro Mamukelashvili with the 54th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and he has turned some heads thus far. Fans were drawn into the big man after watching his college highlights from his time at Seton Hall, where he showed off some impressive passing for a man of his stature. He also showed signs of promise during the 2021 Summer League, and he should get some more shine with the Bucks in the preseason.
Milwaukee’s center rotation is somewhat uncertain heading into the preseason. Brook Lopez looks to be in good health, but the team is certainly not going to play their 33-year-old center extensive minutes in the preseason. Bobby Portis also seemingly suffered some kind of injury in the team’s scrimmage on Sunday, and if that is somewhat significant, the team will unquestionably hold him out of the lineup until he is back to full strength. That should open the door for the 22-year-old big man to get some meaningful minutes and show everyone what he brings to the table.
One concern for the Bucks entering the 2021-22 season has been the team’s lack of depth at the center position behind Lopez and Portis. After all, Mamukelashvili is their third-string center at the moment, and they do not know what they have with him. While it is just the preseason, perhaps the young center could earn some recognition if he holds up when given playing time. A few things that could help his stock include showing off facilitating, scoring, and rebounding at a high level, but seeing how he holds up defensively will be crucial for such a defensive-minded team.
Mamukelashvili will likely not see much time with the Bucks in his rookie season, but a strong outing in the preseason could bode well for his chances moving forward.