One of the Milwaukee Bucks lead guards must sacrifice a starting spot in the backcourt this coming season. They can either view it as a demotion or embrace the opportunity to lead the second unit as the top option. New Philadelphia 76ers guard Anfernee Simons has enthusiastically accepted taking on the responsibility, explaining that it can take his game up a notch on the Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady podcast.
"My mindset going into the game is I've already competed at a high level with starters, and it's going to be even easier for me when I come into the game playing against second units."
One Bucks guard should relish this opportunity
There are two backcourt spots, but the Milwaukee Bucks have three capable starters in Ryan Rollins, Tyler Herro, and Kevin Porter Jr. Starting all three isn't happening; someone will come off the bench to spearhead the second unit. All three players could thrive in the sixth-man role, and who fits where will ultimately come down to how everyone looks in training camp.
For the sake of this article, let's say that Ryan Rollins starts at point guard, Tyler Herro slots next to him at the two, and Kevin Porter Jr. comes off the bench. Rollins and Herro can command the main unit with their scoring against the toughest defenders, while Porter can check in and keep the ball rolling against lesser, though still solid, defensive units.
For Porter, who loves having the ball in his hands, that role should be more desirable than sharing the backcourt with Herro, another ball-dominant guard. With that role, he can take on more responsibility and play to his strengths, strengthening his own numbers in the process. Playing on an expiring deal, it could be the best way to truly flex his skills on a larger scale.
Backcourt will be one of Bucks' rousing strengths
There are plenty of naysayers casting doubt on the Milwaukee Bucks, but no matter how the outside world feels about them, they cannot deny how strong the backcourt looks.
In Rollins, Herro, and Porter, they employ three starting-caliber guards, one of whom was an All-Star, and can have at least one of them on the floor at all times. All of them should take leaps this season. Beyond them, they have intriguing youngsters in Brayden Burries and Kasparas Jakucionis, as well as older but talented players like AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr.
It's a lot for Taylor Jenkins to sort through, but the Milwaukee Bucks clearly think he's the right man for the job. As the season approaches, one of his primary tasks will be figuring out the guard logjam, and who comes off the bench will be among the hottest topics discussed.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
Add us as a preferred source on Google