The Milwaukee Bucks have many question marks heading into next season, but Kasparas Jakucionis is arguably the biggest. How much potential does he really have? Where will he fit into the rotation as the guard room overflows? Is he ready yet? These are all questions that will not have an answer until the ball gets rolling on the NBA season.
Jakucionis is a significant question mark for the Bucks
While Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. are all more established players, there is a case to be made that Jakucionis is the most captivating player acquired in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. He just recently turned 20 years old and boasts a skill set that makes it easy to envision him becoming a legitimate NBA player. The question is how his sophomore season will unfold.
On the surface, yes, Jakucionis should absolutely be in Milwaukee's rotation. During his limited action in Miami's rotation last season, the then-rookie showed glimpses of potential with his scoring, outside shooting, pesky defense, and pristine passing. Those are all things the Bucks could use off the bench behind the likely starting backcourt of Tyler Herro and Ryan Rollins.
The Bucks should absolutely be eager to see what the youngster could bring to the table, but it's far from a guarantee that he's in the rotation right away.
Loaded backcourt is Jakucionis' prominent hurdle
In addition to just simply being a raw, up-and-coming young player, Jakucionis' wild card status is also impacted by Milwaukee's roster. Not only does the team have the aforementioned Herro and Rollins in the backcourt, but it also employs Brayden Burries, AJ Green, Caris LeVert, Gary Trent Jr., and Kevin Porter Jr. That's a lot of bodies who will be seeking minutes in this rotation.
The Bucks could show their faith in Jakucionis by clearing out their backcourt in the coming weeks. With too many bodies on the roster as is, cuts will be coming. If Milwaukee moves one or two of its guards, it could knock out two birds with one stone by polishing the roster while also freeing up room to offer Jakucionis a more prominent opportunity.
Fueling his wild-card status is that even if he does play, there is no telling how the guard will perform. He could be great. He could struggle. It could be somewhere in the middle. There are so many factors at play here. Other players have question marks, but none are more pressing than those facing the Milwaukee Bucks' Lithuanian guard, given that he isn't a lock to be in the rotation and is very raw.
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