3 Bucks playing for their future in Milwaukee in the NBA Playoffs

Grayson Allen is playing for his future with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2023 playoffs

It’s arguably the NBA’s worst-kept secret that the Milwaukee Bucks would be willing to move Grayson Allen. Throughout the offseason and even the regular season, Allen’s name was mentioned in trade rumors surrounding the team.

Due to the swirling rumors, there’s a lot of pressure on Allen to perform in the playoffs. Allen has been great for the Bucks in both regular seasons he’s played in Milwaukee, as he’s shot 40.9 percent and 39.9 percent from three in his two seasons while averaging double digits in points. Unfortunately, more remember Allen for being a no-show in the playoffs a year ago.

After absolutely dominating the Chicago Bulls in round one, Allen went missing for the most part in the Conference Semifinals series against the Celtics. In the series, Allen averaged five points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 31 percent from the field and 20.8 percent from three. Considering how well he had played only one series earlier, it was a stunning drop-off.

Allen also fell victim to matchup hunting, with the Celtics trying to get him matched up with either Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum. Being mediocre on both ends made Allen a liability whenever he was on the court throughout the series.

Overall, Allen did not perform well in the playoffs a year ago. He can erase those memories with a good run this season and earn a spot on the team again next year rather than somewhere else.

The Bucks will begin postseason play on Sunday against the winner of Friday night’s play-in game between Chicago and Miami. Stay tuned for Bucks analysis and news throughout the playoffs.