How the Milwaukee Bucks’ current bench compares to the 2021-22 bench

How the current Milwaukee Bucks bench compares to the 2021-22 bench: Forwards and Centers

Bobby Portis is arguably the biggest piece of the Bucks’ bench and is fourth in scoring on the team, averaging 13.7 points per game. His dark-horse case for winning the Sixth Man of the Year Award shows just how important he has been to the Bucks and will continue to provide a spark from the bench.

Veteran Serge Ibaka was moved before the trade deadline, and the signing of Meyers Leonard fills that void at the center position. Having impressed during his first 10-day contract, Leonard was signed to a second 10-day contract and will hope to turn that into a standard deal before the postseason starts.

Leonard is shooting 42.9 percent from three and is vital for maintaining the shooting prowess of Brook Lopez when he heads to the sideline. This is very much a like-for-like replacement for Ibaka, but the extra shooting efficiency of Leonard suggests this is in fact an upgrade at the center position.

So far Bucks fans will be impressed with what Leonard is offering and looks to have added a different dimension at the center position in comparison to last season. It remains to be seen whether he will tie down a full contract with the Bucks heading down the stretch but his ability to stretch the floor gives him a great opportunity to be offered a standard deal.

Overall, the Bucks will feel they have certainly upgraded their bench unit. The upgrade at the wings is clear to see with experience but pieces that fit perfectly in providing shooting and defense, two of the most essential assets come playoff time.

Stay tuned to see how the Bucks’ bench unit shapes up down the stretch.