NBA All-Star weekend is now wrapped up, and the regular season gets back in action on Wednesday, with the Milwaukee Bucks returning to play against the LA Clippers at Fiserv Forum on Thursday.
A number of trades went down prior to the All-Star break, and we are yet to see the Bucks at full strength due to Giannis Antetokounmpo missing the last six regular season games. The two-time MVP is likely to have his minutes managed down the stretch so that he is fully healthy for the playoffs, something we have not seen since the 2022 postseason.
Other players will be hoping to see their minutes increased due to his absence, but also with the Bucks now having much more variety in their roster for Doc Rivers to scheme with. They currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 29-24 record, one game behind the Indiana Pacers and over six games back of the top three.
Should the Bucks want to get home-court advantage for the first round of the playoffs, they will need to step up. This gives some players a real opportunity to cement their long-term future with the Milwaukee Bucks, let's take a look at three of them.
Gary Trent Jr.
Gary Trent Jr. was the steal of the offseason when he signed with Milwaukee on a one-year minimum deal. He has proven to be a real valuable asset for the Bucks with his ability to score at all levels off the bench. This season, he is averaging 10.3 points, 2.4 rebounds with an assist and a steal on shooting splits of .438/.429/.837.
The shooting efficiency has been key to the Bucks being the second-best 3-point shooting team in the league at 38.7 percent. That value to a team is a reason why he was previously an $18 million player. Once his minimum deal expires, he could get back up to that level if he keeps playing like this.
As everyone around the league knows, the financial restrictions of the second apron have made team building tough, but the Milwaukee Bucks' trade deadline moves have opened the door to potentially bring Trent back in the offseason on a longer and more expensive deal that will suit both parties.
Bobby Portis
Perhaps the most divisive player amongst the fans, Bobby Portis has shown his value to the Bucks in his five seasons in Milwaukee and was a key component of the 2021 title-winning roster. His consistency is frustrating, but he is still having a strong 13.7 points per game scoring output with 8.3 rebounds on splits of .463/.364/.821 to go along with it.
Portis was being thrown in rumors all throughout the trade deadline, with him earning $12.5 million this season and having a player option for $13.4 million next season, making him one of the more valuable and moveable players on the team. If he can show his value as the sixth man down the stretch and in the postseason, he may find himself earning another contract in Milwaukee when he hits free agency.
Kyle Kuzma
It feels weird to put Kyle Kuzma on this list, but the fact Jon Horst only moved one big piece in Khris Middleton this season puts pressure on the former champion to have an impact this season and for the rest of his contract. In his four games with the Milwaukee Bucks, he has shown glimpses of exactly what the team needs, averaging 16.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists on shooting splits of .423/.222/.680.
The shooting from the perimeter has not been great this season, but we have yet to see him and Giannis take the floor together. That could really be the pairing that makes or breaks their title hopes.
With Kuzma on a team-friendly deal that decreases over the next two seasons, it likely won't happen, but there is the possibility of it not working out and Horst deciding to make a rash decision to bring in another supporting member for Giannis and Damian Lillard in the offseason.
The second half of the season is huge for all players, coaches and the front office of the Milwaukee Bucks. Another early postseason exit will really have questions asked and fingers pointed. These players can certainly help the team reach their targets but also cement their long-term spots with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks news and analysis.