3 Holes Bucks must fill to win the title after Damian Lillard trade
By Tyler Watts
2. Upgrade at the two
The Bucks have four starters penciled in and an open competition for the fifth. Damian Lillard will join Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez in the Bucks opening group. They are likely the best top four in the league but need a strong option to round things out.
Grayson Allen was the starting shooting guard last season, but he was sent to Phoenix in the three-team deal. Who replaces the 6’4 sharpshooter?
They signed Malik Beasley this summer, but he has started just 45 of his 160 games played over the last two seasons. Pat Connaughton, MarJon Beauchamp, and Jae Crowder all return and could be in line for more minutes.
Beasley is likely the favorite, but he is more of an offense-first option, which the Bucks do not need with three elite scorers on the floor. Connaughton and Crowder offer more defense, but both have inconsistent jumpers and could slow down the offense if they are not falling.
Bobby Portis is also an option if Milwaukee wants to play big. The fit next to Giannis and Lopez has not worked well in the past, but new head coach Adrian Griffin can experiment with that look during the season.
The Milwaukee Bucks have depth, but it feels like their fifth starter options are all best suited in bench roles. Can they upgrade at the two to round out their rotation? It is a hole that may need to be plugged before the playoffs.