3 Milwaukee Bucks starting lineup combinations after Damian Lillard trade

Milwaukee Bucks Starters – Lillard, Beauchamp, Middleton, G. Antetokounmpo, B. Lopez

Given his age and inexperience, second-year wing MarJon Beauchamp is the unlikeliest candidate of these three players to get the starting nod. However, his fit with the rest of the veterans would make sense, and it would undoubtedly help accelerate his development under a new coach after he scarcely played for the Milwaukee Bucks last season.

With Wesley Matthews and Jrue Holiday, two of Milwaukee’s most versatile defenders last year, now gone, the Bucks need someone to step up defensively, and Beauchamp could. At 6-foot-6, he has the height to match up against several positions, and his athleticism will help him defensively. He could develop into the big wing defender this team has been seeking since P.J. Tucker left.

Having a player like that would help tremendously, especially alongside Lillard in the backcourt on a nightly basis. Lillard has never been the strongest defender, so placing a versatile player next to him could help take some of the pressure off of him defensively. There would almost certainly be growing pains for Beauchamp early on, but that’s the best way for a young player to grow.

Beauchamp could be the ultimate X-factor for the Bucks this coming season, and it’s largely due to what he can bring on defense, especially after losing Holiday. If he can produce on offense, that would certainly be welcomed too, but if he starts alongside Lillard, it will be his defense that helps him make a contribution to this team.

Beauchamp being the starting shooting guard next season would certainly showcase how much this new staff believes in him and what he can bring alongside the Bucks’ other four starters.

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