The 2023-24 NBA season is quickly approaching, meaning the Milwaukee Bucks will be starting training camp soon enough.
With a new coaching regime in town, there’s no telling what the rotation will look like. Players will have opportunities to make a name for themselves under new Head Coach Adrian Griffin, and it all starts with a strong showing in camp. With that said, let us dive in and look at three training camp competitions that could influence Griffin’s rotation this coming season.
Milwaukee Bucks training camp duels – Lindell Wigginton vs. Jazian Gortman for backup point guard minutes
The Milwaukee Bucks don’t have a backup point guard. After Jevon Carter left to sign a deal with the Chicago Bulls, the team hasn’t responded with a newcomer. Instead, it looks like they will aim to find their replacement in-house, with Jazian Gortman and Lindell Wigginton likely to square off against one another for the role in training camp.
Gortman and Wigginton are both different point guards in their own right. Gortman is well-known for his defense, as he’s a pest on that side of the court. Meanwhile, Wigginton is more of a scorer and facilitator. At 25 years old, Wigginton has more pro experience than the 20-year-old Gortman. Despite their differences, both could certainly help this team with their individual skill sets.
Right now, Wigginton has the edge due to his familiarity with the team, but also the fact that he is on a two-way deal, while Gortman is just on a camp deal. Yet, if the latter impresses and outplays Wiggington, that could certainly change. This should be a fascinating camp battle for the Bucks as they potentially look to bring aboard a backup point guard for next season.
Milwaukee Bucks training camp duels – Grayson Allen vs. Malik Beasley for the starting two-guard slot
Looking at the starting five, the point guard, small forward, power forward, and center positions are all cemented. The one position that is still up for grabs is shooting guard, and the Bucks have plenty of candidates who could occupy the role. However, the two players who seem like they’re ahead of the pack are Grayson Allen and Malik Beasley.
Allen has been the team’s starting two guard for the past two seasons, and he’s played the best basketball of his career. While Adrian Griffin could come in and wipe the slate clean, he may also feel strongly about the chemistry Allen has with the other starters. Allen also fits in well with the rest of the group, providing shooting, rebounding, and hustle.
Meanwhile, Beasley also has a compelling case to start, primarily due to his perimeter shooting. Last season, the guard made the most 3-pointers by any player off of the bench. He’s an excellent outside shooter, meaning he’d be a great fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of the starters. He provides more scoring potential than Allen, which could be very beneficial in that unit.
Ultimately, this will be an extremely interesting battle to keep an eye on as Griffin looks to find the perfect fifth starter for his new team.
Milwaukee Bucks training camp duels – MarJon Beauchamp vs. A.J. Green vs. Chris Livingston vs. Andre Jackson Jr. for wing minutes
Adrian Griffin is expected to utilize the Milwaukee Bucks’ youth next season, but there will not be enough room for everyone to get minutes. The young players will have to compete amongst each other as they aim to catch Griffin’s eye in hopes of getting a legitimate shot next in the rotation in 2023-24. All of these players can help the Bucks in their own individual ways.
Of the bunch, Beauchamp is the likeliest candidate to earn more minutes. He’s the lone first round pick of the group, so the team will likely look to develop him the most. Still, fellow 6-foot-6 wings Jackson and Livingston will be looking to make a name for themselves and get some minutes. To get minutes, these players will have to play tough defense while also showing scoring potential.
Green is a different player compared to the other three. While they are taller wings who are more known for their defense, Green’s opportunity to make a name for himself will primarily come from the offensive end. The guard is an excellent perimeter shooter, which could get him on the floor for the Bucks consistently. Yet, he’ll still have to battle with these other players for wing minutes.
Any of these four could make an impact with the Milwaukee Bucks, but it remains to be seen how the minutes between them are distributed.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis this off-season.