3 Key strengths of the projected starting lineup for the Milwaukee Bucks
By Dalton Sell
2 – Scoring
The Milwaukee Bucks are going to be able to flat-out score the basketball this coming season.
Again, it all starts with Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Per Stat Mamba, these two will be the first teammates to average 30 points per game in a season and then join forces the following year. While their respective scoring averages may dip a tad due to playing alongside another terrific scorer, they should still put up big numbers due to how well they complement each other.
Lopez, who was a monster on defense last season, is also coming off one of the best years on offense in recent memory. The big man averaged 15.9 points per game, which was the most he averaged since the 2016-17 NBA season. With so much attention being forced on the dynamic duo of Antetokounmpo and Lillard, Lopez could have another big year.
The big question mark heading into the season is what Khris Middleton will look like after a knee procedure during the off-season. When healthy, it’s clear that he’s an electric scorer from all over the court. Playing alongside two dominant scorers in Antetokounmpo and Lillard could free up the forward, as he’d oftentimes be guarded by the third-best defender on most possessions.
If Middleton can indeed return to form and bounce back from last season’s woes, it will make the offensive production from this unit even more bountiful.
Even Malik Beasley is capable of averaging double figures on a nightly basis. His touches will not be plentiful in this lineup – he’ll likely primarily be used as a spot-up shooter – but he can still put points on the board due to his marksmanship. Again, with so much attention on the top scorers, Beasley should get his share of open looks.