The Milwaukee Bucks were dealt a blow to their bench before the season has even begun. What was a tough year for the Bucks finding bench scoring in 2021-22 now takes an early hit with the report that Pat Connaughton will miss at least three weeks with a calf injury.
Let’s take a look at what this will mean for the Milwaukee Bucks.
What Pat Connaughton’s injury means for the Milwaukee Bucks: 3-point shooting takes a hit
Pat Connaughton in his time with the Milwaukee Bucks has been a very reliable 3-point shooter. Connaughton made 39.5 percent of his 3-point tries in 2021-22, fourth on the team behind just Jevon Carter, Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen, (among players with consistent minutes through the season). Connaughton has improved his 3-point shooting every single season as a Buck.
The Milwaukee Bucks added a guy who can knock down some threes for them but he won’t be playing likely until the calendar changes to 2023, Joe Ingles. Aside from that the Milwaukee Bucks’ off-season was focused more on retention than acquisition. The Milwaukee Bucks not only had Connaughton opting into his player option and extending him, but also locked up fan favorite Bobby Portis and retained the aforementioned Jevon Carter.
The latter is one who could step up in the area of 3-point shooting, in his 20 games with the Bucks, Jevon Carter shot a blistering 55 percent on 3-point attempts, it would be bold to assume he repeats that feat, but even a 40 plus percent 3-point shooting would be helpful.
What Pat Connaughton’s injury means for the Milwaukee Bucks: Time for Jordan Nwora to show what he’s made of
Jordan Nwora was a second round draft pick back in 2020, Nwora generally has been most valuable as an occasional spot starter during games where either regular starters are getting rest, or in the case of the 2021-22 season, a player like Khris Middleton missing some time.
Jordan Nwora already figured to get some extra minutes to start the season with Khris Middleton likely to miss a bit of the beginning of the season with his wrist injury. Now with an injury to one of Middleton’s backups in Connaughton, Jordan Nwora has a massive opportunity to prove himself.
Jordan Nwora has looked very good at times and he’s looked like he should only play during blowouts, Nwora needs to show the Milwaukee Bucks that he is more than just a prospect and a project. Now is the time for Nwora to put it all together and play up to his potential.
Nwora made 13 starts for the Bucks last year and could very well find himself starting at small forward to begin the season. Nwora was signed to a two year deal before training camp, Nwora could begin earning his next contract by coming out hot to start the year for the Bucks.
What Pat Connaughton’s injury means for the Milwaukee Bucks: MarJon Beauchamp may get his chance sooner than later
MarJon Beauchamp played pretty well on the Milwaukee Bucks’ summer league team but had a relatively quiet preseason. Beauchamp didn’t shoot the ball the greatest during the preseason but it is potentially due to nerves getting his first real NBA action. What’s encouraging is during the Bucks’ final preseason game, Beauchamp had his best performance of the five game slate.
Nothing flashy but six points on 2-of-3 shooting plus three rebounds, no assists but also no turnovers in 13 minutes. It is also worth noting that the two shots he made were both 3-point makes, something as mentioned on the first slide the Bucks will miss without Connaughton. If Beauchamp can give some help like that in limited minutes he may find himself playing more.
Beauchamp may not find himself in the starting lineup on opening night, however with the Milwaukee Bucks short handed at small forward and shooting guard, he will likely find himself getting some minutes early in the season. What he does with those minutes is up to him.
It is certainly a bold prediction for MarJon Beauchamp, but he could kick off a rookie campaign to make an All-Rookie team for 2022-23.
A realistic goal MarJon Beauchamp could set for himself to begin the season in Pat Connaughton and Khris Middleton’s absence would be to leap frog Jordan Nwora in the Milwaukee Bucks rotation. Jordan Nwora is no doubt the better offensive player, but just as clear as that’s the case, it’s just as clear that MarJon Beauchamp is the better defender. If Beauchamp can prove himself on offense and defense, he could find himself getting more minutes than Jordan Nwora if he doesn’t seize his opportunity.
Regardless of where Mike Budenholzer distributes the minutes that Pat Connaughton normally plays, that player will have to step up on both ends of the floor. Not only is Connaughton a helpful offensive player, he is also one of the most selfless hustle players the Bucks have had in recent memory. Hopefully Connaughton is back in the fold soon.
Stay tuned for analysis on whoever fills in for Pat Connaughton once the season starts Thursday.