After years of living and dying with their veterans, the Milwaukee Bucks have turned a new leaf in recent years and started implementing youth into the mix. It became a strength under Doc Rivers, and it's primed to grow stronger under Taylor Jenkins. As ESPN's Shams Charania points out, "player development pedigree" is among the most notable assets Jenkins brings to the table.
Jenkins can further fuel Bucks' youth craze
Jenkins' player development skills were on display during his time coaching the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite those squads largely being young and inexperienced, they made the playoffs in four out of his six seasons leading the way because he was able to bring the best out of them. The hope is that he could do the same with Milwaukee's many rising youngsters.
Ryan Rollins looks poised to ascend further after his breakout year. Ousmane Dieng looks like a legit small forward prospect after being given an opportunity. AJ Green still has another level to reach as a two-way threat. Cormac Ryan made history as a rookie and looks like he can contribute full-time with the team. The Bucks will also likely have a top 10 pick in this upcoming draft. That's a lot of youth.
That goes without mentioning players like Kevin Porter Jr. and Jericho Sims, who have player options but could realistically be back.
All of those players have the potential to be full-time contributors next season. For a team that is at a financial disadvantage due to the money they owe Damian Lillard that is lingering on their books, they need all of the young, cheap pieces they can get. The Bucks will provide the players, while Jenkins will be tasked with bringing the best out of them.
Jenkins hiring just feels right for the Bucks
Whether the Milwaukee Bucks trade Giannis Antetokounmpo and further focus on youth or keep him and surround him with it, Jenkins should get the best out of either approach. Other candidates didn't offer that same type of value. The Milwaukee Bucks identified Jenkins as someone who could be of use in either scenario and pounced on him while the rest of the NBA was still doing its homework.
The Milwaukee Bucks need this one to work. The last three years have been one long headache with two failed head coaches. Adding Jenkins to the payroll does not automatically set the Bucks up for a successful season, but it certainly strengthens their odds, especially if he can live up to his role as one of the best names in player development.
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