Updated look at Milwaukee Bucks’ depth chart after Cam Payne signing
The Milwaukee Bucks used their final roster spot to bring in Cam Payne to back up Damian Lillard at the point guard position.
Payne comes to the Bucks after being released by the San Antonio Spurs earlier this summer. Payne had spent the previous four seasons on the Phoenix Suns and was a member of the NBA Finals team that the Milwaukee Bucks defeated for their championship in 2021.
The Milwaukee Bucks roster is now full, so where does the depth chart stand at each position?
Milwaukee Bucks updated depth chart after Cam Payne signing:
Point Guard: Damian Lillard, Cam Payne
The Milwaukee Bucks shocked the NBA world and changed the entire landscape of the league last Wednesday with their trade for Damian Lillard. The Bucks gained an instant upgrade at point guard offensively while admittedly sacrificing defense. What this trade left the Bucks with, however, is a remaining hole at backup point guard until recently. Cam Payne now fills the role with experience, not only in the NBA but at every level of the postseason.
Point guard is now the most drastically different position for the Milwaukee Bucks from the 2022-23 season to the 2023-24 season.
Shooting Guard: Pat Connaughton, Malik Beasley, AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr.
Perhaps the position group with the most remaining questions for the Milwaukee Bucks is shooting guard. Last year’s starting shooting guard, Grayson Allen, was included in the trade with Jrue Holiday for the Bucks to acquire Damian Lillard. With Allen going to the Suns, the Milwaukee Bucks have a starting spot to fill and have several potential options as to who could fill the spot.
Small Forward: Khris Middleton, MarJon Beauchamp
Small forward is probably the position with the most continuity from the 2022-23 season. Having a fully healthy Khris Middleton, who is no longer dealing with lingering knee pain, will provide more stability to the position.
The most fun or interesting part of the small forward position to watch this coming season is going to be the year two development of MarJon Beauchamp, who could be in consideration for the starting shooting guard spot with a strong training camp and preseason.
Milwaukee Bucks power forward depth chart: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Thanasis Antetokounmpo
The Milwaukee Bucks are totally set at power forward. Led by the best player in the NBA, Giannis Antetokounmpo, power forward is another position with a lot of continuity. Giannis is backed up by Mr. double-double, Bobby Portis. On their own, these are two players who could combine for 50 points and 25 rebounds on a nightly basis.
The Milwaukee Bucks also brought back last year’s trade acquisition, Jae Crowder.
Also back is the leader of the bench mob, Thanasis Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee Bucks center depth chart: Brook Lopez, Robin Lopez
The Milwaukee Bucks have made a triple-dip reunion happen. First, bringing brothers Brook Lopez and Robin Lopez back to the team, bringing Robin back for his second stint as a Milwaukee Buck. Also, they didn’t know it when they signed him, but bringing back Robin Lopez now reunites him with his former Trail Blazer teammate Damian Lillard.
The shaggy-haired, goofy, mascot wrestling Robin Lopez was asked at Milwaukee Bucks media day what he views his role for the Bucks will be this season, and he said he will be a clean-up utility man who does whatever the team needs him to do, hard not to be happy to have a guy like that on your team.
Bringing back Brook Lopez gives Adrian Griffin a floor spacing center with Defensive Player of the Year level interior defense. Bringing back Robin Lopez gives Griffin and the Bucks a good locker room presence and veteran experience backing up his twin brother.
Next. Grading the Milwaukee Bucks’ shocking acquisition of Damian Lillard. dark
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