Milwaukee Bucks: 3 exciting breakout candidates for the 2021-22 season

3 potential breakout candidates for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021: Grayson Allen

Grayson Allen would fit under the “Bobby Portis breakout candidate” of a prime-age player who is coming in as a new addition for the Bucks, ready to prove himself as he enters free agency. It’s a little different for Allen since this will be his first time entering free agency and only on his second team, but at 26 years old, Allen is one of the older players still on his rookie deal.

Like DiVincenzo, Allen took a massive step forward from 3 after his rookie season but the difference being Allen has sustained his great shooting over two full seasons, connecting on nearly 40 percent of his 3s in 88 games. He’s a better shooter than DiVincenzo and Pat Connaughton, two of the primary players he’ll be competing for playing time with, which gives him somewhat of a leg up.

Another sign for an Allen breakout is that his assist rate has steadily improved each year and his turnover rate has gone down each year. It’s encouraging that he’s been able to make plays as a passer while limiting the turnovers. He’s not as good of a ball-handler as DiVincenzo despite the lower turnover rate, but it’s an area where he’s improved each season and something the Bucks will ask him to do more of, especially if he’s coming off the bench to help lead the second unit.

The main area where Allen can improve and where the breakout will happen is with some of the offensive self-creation and then on the defensive side of the ball. Allen isn’t a bad defender by any means, but if he can get closer to where DiVincenzo is, then it should make for an interesting battle for that final starting spot.

Allen will have the opportunity to show that he’s the right fit for a starting role and, potentially, a new contract that should come in at a number lower than a potential DiVincenzo extension.

All three players are names to watch throughout the regular season and could all have a huge impact on whether the Bucks can repeat as champions.