Milwaukee Bucks: 5 observations from first 5 games of 2021-22 season

No. 5: Pat Connaughton and Jordan Nwora have played increasingly important roles for the Milwaukee Bucks

Due to injuries, the Bucks have been forced to shift around the rotation, which has paved the way for Pat Connaughton and Jordan Nwora to see bigger roles.

Surprisingly, Connaughton is averaging the most minutes per game among any Buck this season with 31.4, a testament to how heavily they have relied on him early. The injuries have forced the typical second unit sparkplug into the starting lineup for three of the team’s five games this year, and he is taking advantage. Connaughton is currently averaging a career-high 12.2 points, blowing his previous best out of the water by nearly double. He has been red hot on the offensive end to start the season by shooting 47.9 percent from the floor and 36.4 percent from deep.

Excluding a rare poor shooting night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Connaughton has been fantastic to start the season. He has become the perfect role player for this team, and their ability to lean on him has been significant as they try to navigate through these injuries. He will continue to be a key piece of the rotation for the Bucks, as he has earned the right over the past year.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Nwora, who is looking to establish himself and earn his place in the rotation. Thus far, he has looked solid by averaging 10.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 23.4 minutes per game. As the minutes indicate, the Bucks have given the forward more opportunity to showcase his skills, and they have been there on full display. Nwora is still learning the ropes, but the sophomore is getting valuable time right now, providing his share of meaningful contributions off the bench.

These two have been great for the Milwaukee Bucks early on, and they will continue to be two players that will be crucial contributors this season.