To bring out the best in a player, they oftentimes need to be pushed. A little competition never hurt anyone. In addition to adding a player development-focused coach in Taylor Jenkins, the Milwaukee Bucks should look to further boost Ousmane Dieng's ongoing rise by bringing in a competitor at the small forward spot, such as Ziaire Williams, who played for Jenkins with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Bucks should have options at small forward next season
For a team that has lacked depth at the three for years, the Bucks should stock up this summer. The first order of business will be retaining Dieng, a free agent. However, after that, prioritizing depth at the small forward spot should be a priority. Someone like Williams could be a low-cost, high-upside player to give Milwaukee two competent options at the three.
Dieng looks like he could be a starting-caliber player. After riding OKC's bench for the last three and a half years, he quickly showed what he could do with legitimate minutes in Milwaukee. Having turned 23 just days ago, Dieng still has plenty of room to grow. The Bucks should give him that opportunity, but also let it be known that he doesn't have that job locked up.
Williams just wrapped up his fifth season and is still 24 years old. Like Dieng, he's also someone who has never gotten a consistent opportunity but has flexed potential when he has. If reuniting with his old coach, Taylor Jenkins, sounds like something desirable, it would make plenty of sense for the Bucks to oblige him on a low-cost deal this summer.
Dieng still has plenty to work on with Bucks
Again, the potential was there, but Dieng is still far from a perfect product. He could still get stronger. His finishing inside could use more work. Sharpening his defense and becoming a switchable piece against countless positions would be nice. The tools are all there; the 23-year-old may just need a push to fully get there. Someone like Williams could help him in that regard.
Playing under Taylor Jenkins should also help mightily. While Dieng got time under Doc Rivers, it felt like it wasn't enough most nights. Now, he has a coach who will actually focus on his development to see what the Milwaukee Bucks have in him. Of course, for all of this to be possible, the Bucks need to re-sign him this summer, which they should swiftly get done.
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