The Milwaukee Bucks have faced a slump to start the 2024-2025 NBA season, and while injuries and roster adjustments have most certainly played a role in their sluggish showings, the crux of the matter is that they simply need to be better on both ends of the floor. Their offense falls stagnant with regularity while their defense often rotates without purpose.
There are many problems behind this start, but one issue has emerged that is more surprising than the rest: the struggles of their roleplaying starters in Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr.
Both Lopez and Trent have long been known for their ability to stretch the floor and knock down 3-pointers. They've always been serviceable at best on both ends of the floor, with Trent specifically brought on board to be that perfect complement to the playmaking talents of Milwaukee's Big 3. But expectations have not matched reality, as they've been ice-cold from beyond the arc this season.
As a result, their shooting woes have had a ripple effect on the entire team, limiting their offensive options and making it harder to create scoring opportunities for both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Lopez and Trent are hurting the team if their shots aren't falling
Lopez, once a reliable 3-point shooter, has seen his accuracy plummet this season, shooting a less-than-ideal 28.6 percent from behind the line. His struggles from deep have nearly made him a non-factor on the offensive side of the ball, with the post-game generally being less effective against modern NBA defenses. As a result, the Bucks' offensive spacing has suffered, making it harder for their stars to operate.
Trent, on the other hand, has struggled to adapt to his new role with the Bucks after completely showing out in his season opener. After shooting an efficient 39.3 percent clip from deep last season, he's only made nine of his 39 (23.1 percent) attempts from 3-point land through seven games.
He's mostly looked hesitant to shoot and hasn't been able to replicate his previous success as a catch-and-shoot specialist. His lack of offensive production has put a strain on the Bucks' bench unit, forcing them to step up more, and they have not been reliable all season.
As a result, Milwaukee is a net-minus 4.34 when Trent and Lopez are on the floor together and a net-plus 6.86 when they sit, according to PBP Stats. The truth is that if their shots aren't falling, they are hurting the Milwaukee Bucks more than they are helping it.
The Bucks' reliance on 3-point shooting has been a hallmark of their recent success. However, their struggles from beyond the arc have exposed their vulnerability to teams that can defend the perimeter effectively. If Lopez and Trent can't regain their shooting touch, the Milwaukee Bucks may find it difficult to compete at the highest level.
Milwaukee needs to get their shots to start falling again
In the modern NBA, spacing is more complicated than just having a good percentage from behind the 3-point line. Having a good shooter to open up the floor is welcome, but to truly unlock your best offensive players, you need multiple pieces littered around the court commanding respect and pulling away help defenders.
Spacing is also not just about making defenses pay when you have a hot shooting night; it's about making them pay often enough to build up a reputation that makes defenders stay attached to you.
With these numbers, though, opposing defenders are more than happy to leave Trent and Lopez open. And that hurts players like Antetokounmpo and Lillard, who get the bulk of their points slashing into the paint with their craftiness and athleticism.
To address this issue, the Bucks could consider making some adjustments to their offensive strategy. They might need to rely more on driving to the basket and creating scoring opportunities at the rim. They could also experiment with different lineups and rotations to find the right mix of players who can complement each other. But at the end of the day, they need every member of their lineups to at least be decent from range.
The Milwaukee Bucks' struggles from beyond the arc have been a significant factor in their slow start to the season. They need to find ways to create more open looks for their shooters and improve their shot selection. Additionally, the team's spacing has been inconsistent, leading to crowded driving lanes and difficult shots.
Ultimately, the Bucks need to find a way to improve their 3-point shooting. If they can't, their championship aspirations could be in jeopardy. The pressure is on for Lopez and Trent to rediscover their shooting touch and help the Milwaukee Bucks get back on track.
With Gary Trent Jr. rumored to be moving to the bench in favor of Andre Jackson Jr., perhaps the change could ignite something within him.
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