3 things to watch in Milwaukee Bucks return against Brooklyn Nets

How will the Milwaukee Bucks’ new guys fit in tonight?

Speaking of those new guys, all of them should be available tonight (I’m including Serge Ibaka in this) and I’m keeping an eye on how Budenholzer uses them as well as how much they play.

In the case of Ibaka, as he’s getting more comfortable and against a team like the Nets with some size (LaMarcus Aldridge, Andre Drummond, Blake Griffin), there will be more minutes coming his way.

It has been a bit of a mixed bag overall for Ibaka, but I’ve liked what he’s done defensively so far. He’s been asked to play in a drop, similar to what they ask from Brook Lopez, and it has suited him well at this point of his career where he’s not as mobile and can focus on defending the rim. Lopez is practicing with the team now but is still a ways away from returning so Ibaka’s role remains an important one.

Then there are the two former Nets in DeAndre’ Bembry and Jevon Carter. Bembry didn’t suit up for the Bucks before the break but should be available tonight against his former team, as should Carter (who seemed to like that his first game with the Bucks will be against the Nets).

For as excited as I am (a West Virginia Mountaineer fan) about Carter (a West Virginia Mountaineer alum) being a Buck, I’m more excited for what Bembry could bring to the team.

He’ll get a shot at being that big wing defender, small ball four that they had hoped Semi Ojeleye could be. He’s a strong defender who can do a couple of interesting things on offense. I was surprised the Nets let him go before Carter. He gave them good minutes and an interesting option to defend wings.

Carter’s role will depend on George Hill’s health, but he’ll still see some minutes regardless in this one because of the guards that the Nets have. He’s not much on offense other than a catch-and-shoot guy, but I’m looking forward to seeing his aggressive on-ball defense (hopefully alongside Holiday for stretches).