After serving as an important cog defensively for the Milwaukee Bucks over the last two seasons, Wesley Matthews will not be back next season.`
The veteran guard has reportedly inked a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks, leaving behind some question marks in Milwaukee as it pertains to the wing rotation. Someone will have to step up as Milwaukee’s primary wing defender night in and night out, and there are several players on this roster who fit with billing. With that said, let us look at four key Milwaukee Bucks.
4 Milwaukee Bucks who can fill Wesley Matthews’ shoes in 2023-24: Andre Jackson Jr.
The Bucks clearly liked what they saw in Andre Jackson Jr. leading up to the 2023 NBA Draft, given that they traded up to get him in the second round. Their interest was justified; he’s an incredibly interesting wing who had an impressive three-year stint at UConn. It seems like the Bucks will be relying on youth quite a bit next season, and Jackson has the tools to make a name for himself.
While he’s certainly not as savvy or experienced as Matthews, Jackson has the tools to be a quality defender next season. He’s a 6-foot-6 wing who is extremely athletic and quick, both of which the youngster utilized in his relentless on-ball defense in college. As solid as he was, Matthews lacked both of those things at this stage of his career to a degree, and understandably so at 36 years old.
It’ll take time for him to perfect these skills at the next level, but under Adrian Griffin’s guidance, Jackson has the potential to become a critical piece defensively for the Milwaukee Bucks.
4 Milwaukee Bucks who can fill Wesley Matthews’ shoes in 2023-24: Chris Livingston
Sticking with the 2023 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks also added Chris Livingston with the final selection of the night. After just one year of college, the 19-year-old is still a raw prospect, but the wing has the build and skill set to be an interesting chess piece at the next level. He could be just what the Bucks are searching for right now on the defensive end after Matthews’ departure.
Jackson’s measurements list him as a 6-foot-6 wing with a 6-foot-11 wingspan while weighing in at 220 lbs. He’s a bulkier defender, which will be incredibly useful when bigger opponents come to town. In years past, Milwaukee oftentimes relied on smaller wings to defend larger ones, which rarely worked out well for them. Jackson immediately gives them some needed size on the wing.
It cannot be stressed enough that Livingston is just 19. He’s not going to come in and immediately replace what Matthews provided, but over time, he can undoubtedly grow into his role and utilize his skills to make an impact on that end. Alongside stout defenders like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday, Livingston can learn from some of the best in the business.
If all goes well, Livingston could eventually become a vital piece of Milwaukee’s smaller lineups, which history has shown make this team incredibly dangerous.
4 Milwaukee Bucks who can fill Wesley Matthews’ shoes in 2023-24: Jae Crowder
The Bucks envisioned Jae Crowder being a key piece defensively on the wing when they traded for him at the deadline this past season. While things didn’t quite pan out that way due to injuries and Crowder not having much time to get his legs under him, the forward will have a chance to redeem himself next season, having signed a one-year deal to return for 2023-24.
There’s a reason why the Bucks spent months pursuing Crowder last season before finally getting him at the trade deadline. He’s a 6-foot-6 wing who is bulky at 235 lbs, giving the Bucks that ideal versatile small-ball four who can defend a slew of different positions. On top of his defense, he’s a fine outside shooter, having hit 37.4 percent of his perimeter shots over the past three seasons.
With a legitimate off-season under his belt and not having to worry about sitting out for most of the season like he did last year, Crowder should be better in 2023-24. Having just turned 33, he’s still got plenty of fuel left in the tank, but it’ll be up to him to bounce back. If he can, he’s certainly the player most will expect to fill the hole left behind by Wesley Matthews on the wing.
4 Milwaukee Bucks who can fill Wesley Matthews’ shoes in 2023-24: MarJon Beauchamp
After not playing a significant role whatsoever during his rookie campaign, MarJon Beauchamp is expected to be much more of a focal point for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023-24. The 22-year-old will undeniably go through his share of growing pains, but if he can put the pieces together as his sophomore season goes on, he could become a major contributor to this franchise’s success.
Beauchamp has the skills to be a very nice defender in this league. Like many of the other wings on the roster, he’s 6-foot-6, incredibly versatile, athletic, and switchable. Beauchamp could stand to add a few pounds, as he was listed at 199 lbs last season. That could prove troublesome when bigger wings come to town, but it’s not a significant flaw at this point by any means.
If they handed out a Most Improved Player Award for individual teams, Beauchamp would be the betting favorite for the Bucks. The young guard has room to grow, but if he can gradually put the pieces together throughout his sophomore season, especially defensively, he could be an essential contributor to this team. It should be an exciting 2023-24 NBA season for MarJon Beauchamp.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis, rumors, and breakdowns this off-season.