5 offseason needs for the Milwaukee Bucks following 2022 NBA Draft
By Dalton Sell
No. 4 – The Milwaukee Bucks need to add another second unit scorer
The Milwaukee Bucks lacked consistent second unit scoring throughout the 2021-22 campaign. According to NBA.com/stats, they ranked 27th in bench points per contest, having scored a mere 27.8 on average during the regular season. This unreliability from the bench offensively was on display during Milwaukee’s playoff run, highlighting how the team needs to target more scoring threats this offseason. After adding a defensive-minded wing in MarJon Beauchamp with their first rounder, the Bucks will have to look elsewhere for more offense in the second unit.
Searching through the list of impending free agents, one player that could help bulk up the Bucks’ second unit scoring that stands out the most is T.J. Warren. The forward has been a solid scorer in his career, having averaged 15.5 points per game in seven seasons. Warren could provide instant offense off the bench, but the soon-to-be free agent does pose some concerns due to his recent injury history. The 28-year-old has played just four games over the past two years combined due to injury, which could make the Bucks hesitant to bring him aboard. However, if Warren is possibly willing to take a “prove it deal” to showcase that he can still play at a high level on a contender, he would undoubtedly be worth pursuing for the Bucks as a wild card free agent.
The trade market also boasts several eye-catching names, but there are some questions about whether the Bucks could actually pull off any deals. Cam Reddish of the New York Knicks would bring more quality scoring and bolster Milwaukee’s wing depth simultaneously, but it is unclear what they would even want in a package. Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz would be a perfect fit with the Bucks due to his prolific scoring ability while also being a clear upgrade over George Hill. However, the Jazz likely hold the former Sixth Man of the Year in high regard and would likely not entertain any offer from the Bucks due to a lack of desirable assets.
Jon Horst may have more luck on the free agent market trying to bring aboard more bench scoring rather than scrounging up any trade packages.