Grading Pat Connaughton’s three-year extension with Milwaukee Bucks

Examining Pat Connaughton’s fit and role with the Milwaukee Bucks

When it comes to Pat Connaughton’s fit and role with the Milwaukee Bucks, it is a match made in Heaven. Really, Connaughton would be a great fit on any team in the association due to what he is capable of bringing to the table on a nightly basis. Contenders would be lining up to get a piece like him on their roster, and the Bucks are beyond lucky to have him on board for several more years.

Just like it has been since he first signed with the team, Connaughton’s role will revolve around his ability to be a Swiss Army Knife off the bench. Offensively, the guard has transformed into a lethal outside shooter over the past two seasons, having knocked down 38.5 percent of his triples on an eye-catching 4.8 attempts per game. Coach Mike Budenholzer will certainly continue asking him to let it fly with confidence when the opportunity presents itself. Defensively, Connaughton gives the Bucks another strong defender that can match up against different positions, which can be a valuable tool for Budenholzer to utilize.

In addition to being a quality shooter and defender, Connaughton does all of the little things that a great role player should always do. He is never hesitant to dive on the ground for a loose ball, jump high for a rebound, and the 29-year-old certainly does not lack any toughness. It seems like every other night Connaughton is bleeding due to taking a shot to the face from an opponent, but that has never stopped him from sacrificing his body at any turn. Versatility is another factor that can be overlooked when it comes to Connaughton. Budenholzer utilized the swingman at a handful of different positions this past season, even having played 13 percent of his minutes at the power forward position, per Basketball Reference. Every team needs a player that can do the things that will not show up on the stat sheet, and Connaughton is the prime example of that.

Fit-wise, Connaughton is perfect in Milwaukee. He has always proven that he can help this team win at the highest level due to how well he fits alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and the rest of this Milwaukee roster. All of those were reasons why keeping him around was pivotal for the Bucks.