The Milwaukee Bucks landed a vast collection of players and draft picks from the Miami Heat in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. So far, despite the Bucks being 0-3 on the season, the players from Miami's package have been among the team's bright spots, providing some optimism that there is something solid being built in Milwaukee.
Bucks' Giannis return has been leading the charge
Among Milwaukee's top five scorers this season, four of them came to Milwaukee via the Giannis trade last summer.
Tyler Herro has fully embraced his role as the team's top option, pouring in 23.7 points and 5.3 assists per game, both team bests. Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been sensational, grabbing his starting opportunity by the horns with averages of 20.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Both due for new contracts next summer, they are off to excellent starts to increase their earnings.
Their excellence should not overshadow the young tandem of Kasparas Jakucionis and Kel'el Ware. Following Kevin Porter Jr.'s dismissal, Jakucionis has thrived as the backup point guard, averaging an eye-catching 11.3 points, 3.7 boards, and 1.3 assists per game. Though Ware has struggled with his fouling at times, he's been productive overall by posting 12.3 rebounds and 6.7 boards per game.
As the Milwaukee Bucks aim to establish a new culture, these four players are helping set the tone and are thriving in expanded opportunities.
Nate Ament can strengthen Bucks' Giannis return
In addition to those four players, the Milwaukee Bucks acquired Nate Ament using the 13th pick they got from the Heat. Initially viewed as a raw project player who would need time to develop, Ament has already been thrown into Milwaukee's rotation early, with Taylor Jenkins giving him an extended look against the Philadelphia 76ers.
While Ament is very much still a work in progress, if he can find his footing and become a consistent contributor for the Bucks, the Giannis trade will look even better. Four players already look like crucial pieces of the franchise's future, and Ament could quickly become the fifth. It remains to be seen whether Jenkins keeps him in the rotation, but given his potential, it wouldn't be the worst idea.
There is a lot of basketball left this season, and the Milwaukee Bucks are still in the "feel it out" stage. Despite some clear shortcomings on the roster, it's clear that the Heat's package has given the Bucks a jolt to get things started.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
Add us as a preferred source on Google