The 2023-24 NBA season is still a while away, but the Milwaukee Bucks have currently filled up their roster with 15 standard contracts.
New Head Coach Adrian Griffin will have plenty of options to carve out his rotation with, but one thing that is nearly set in stone is the starting five. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez will all undeniably start, but there is some uncertainty surrounding who could be the fifth starter alongside them. With that said, let us look at a few options.
Milwaukee Bucks’ fifth starter options – Grayson Allen
Grayson Allen seems like the likeliest candidate for this job. He’s been the Bucks’ full-time starter at the two-guard position for two years now, and understandably so. The shooting guard has been a quality addition to the Bucks, having played the best basketball of his NBA career in Milwaukee. He could very well start for the third consecutive season with the Milwaukee Bucks.
One attribute that Allen has over the other candidates up for this particular job is his familiarity in the starting role. Allen has that experience alongside Antetokounmpo, Holiday, and the rest of the unit, so Griffin might not want to shake up that chemistry completely. On the court, Allen is a fine fit alongside the others, bringing more perimeter shooting, passing, and rebounding.
Of course, it remains to be seen if Allen will be on the opening night roster. The shooting guard’s name has been floated in trade rumors for quite some time now, and if the team were to make a trade this off-season, he’d likely be on the move. Yet, as of now, he’s still in town and seems to be the likeliest player to be named the team’s starting two guard for 2023-24.
Milwaukee Bucks’ fifth starter options – Pat Connaughton
If Coach Adrian Griffin wants to ride with the experienced veteran as his fifth starter, inserting the ever-versatile Pat Connaughton would be a feasible option. More so than anyone else on this list, Connaughton boasts more familiarity with this group of players and has even helped them win at the highest level. He knows this group and what it takes to play alongside them.
This past season, Connaughton saw more time as a starter than ever before, having started in 33 games – his previous career high was 19. Although there will be a new coaching regime in town in 2023-24, Connaughton has the stature to be trusted as that fifth starter. He could be a do-it-all guy for this team, bringing more shooting, defense, rebounding, and hustle to the lineup.
While starting Connaughton wouldn’t be the worst idea, it’s quite unlikely. Alongside Bobby Portis, Connaughton has been the heart and soul of this bench brigade over the last few seasons, and the guard will likely continue to be utilized that way. His presence off the bench is incredibly valuable due to the spark he provides on both sides of the ball on a nightly basis. Yet, it remains an option.
Milwaukee Bucks’ fifth starter options – Malik Beasley
At first glance, this one might not seem too likely, but it must not be counted out. The Bucks inked Malik Beasley to an incredibly team-friendly deal in NBA Free Agency, and they will certainly look to get the most out of him. If he makes a strong first impression in training camp, Beasley should be a strong candidate to be Milwaukee’s starting two guard on opening night.
The appeal with Beasley is clear to see. He’s an electric long-range shooter, having made the most 3-pointers by a player off of the bench last season. Playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and the other core three, Beasley would get no shortage of open looks from the perimeter nightly. If he can take advantage and sink those triples, he could be a major contributor this coming season.
As his contract indicates, Beasley will be looking to prove himself this season. Landing the starting role on a championship contender would certainly give him the platform to do that, but he’s got to earn the job first. Whether he’s starting or coming off of the bench, keep an eye on Beasley’s play, as he could be a difference-maker on offense for this team.
Milwaukee Bucks’ fifth starter options – Jae Crowder
Both the Milwaukee Bucks and Jae Crowder are hoping that the forward can have a much bigger impact in his second season with the team. Crowder was unable to get his feet wet last season due to an injury and limited playing time, but he should see a more prominent role in 2023-24. Some scenarios may even see the veteran starting for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Adrian Griffin knows a thing or two about defense. He may want to craft the best defensive unit possible for his team, and that could involve starting Crowder. The Bucks traded for Crowder due to his versatility and defense. Alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez, and Khris Middleton, he’d form a strong defensive starting lineup.
Crowder in the starting lineup would be similar to the lineup the Bucks rolled out when they won the 2021 NBA Finals, which featured P.J. Tucker. Serving as a defensive ace, Tucker oftentimes was the one tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player to free up the other players to focus more on the offensive end. Crowder could be asked to do the same.
Whether he’s starting or coming off of the bench, Crowder should be a much more impactful piece for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023-24.
Milwaukee Bucks’ fifth starter options – MarJon Beauchamp
This one would be a bit of a shock. While MarJon Beauchamp is expected to take on a larger role in Milwaukee during his sophomore season, the leap to being a full-time starter would be huge. Still, with Coach Adrian Griffin seemingly set to rely on the team’s youth, it shouldn’t be ruled out of the equation entirely that No. 0 gets the starting nod for the 2023-24 Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bucks need MarJon Beauchamp to be good. Their 2022 first round selection showed glimpses of potential last season but didn’t get enough time to consistently display it. For a team that has a weakness of being around the oldest in the league for several years, getting good production from a fresh-legged 22-year-old looking to make a name for himself would help tremendously.
On the court, Beauchamp’s fit is beyond desirable. He’s an incredibly athletic 6-foot-6 wing who is very versatile and can defend a slew of different positions. That’s something this team has lacked mightily over the past few years, and Beauchamp should be able to help. Alongside the other stout defenders in this group, Beauchamp would fit like a glove.
Offensively, Beauchamp will have to work on his game. Throughout his rookie season, he failed to find consistency on that end, which could somewhat be attributed to his limited minutes. He’s an excellent player near the hoop, but if he could develop some semblance of a jump shot to stretch the floor, he could become a lethal two-way player for this Milwaukee team.
Inserting Beauchamp into the starting lineup may put more pressure on his shoulders, but it would also boost his confidence heading into a pivotal sophomore season.
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