It has been over one and a half years since the Milwaukee Bucks moved on from Khris Middleton. Since then, they have struggled to fill the void and score in bunches when they need it. New wing Jaime Jaquez Jr. could very well take on that mantle in providing some offensive punch for Milwaukee.
Jaquez can be the Middleton successor
Both players are similar in some ways but very different in others. They can take the lead on offense, score in bunches, and their slow footwork can actually create opportunities for themselves. However, Middleton's individual shot creation and 3-point shooting are far better than Jaquez's, but the latter plays a more inverted, physical style and is extremely efficient when driving to the paint.
This isn't to say that Jaquez is comparable to Middleton right now. Middleton averaged 20 points for three straight seasons, is a three-time All-Star, and was a huge piece of a championship-winning team. Alternatively, Jaquez's first three years in the league have arguably been better than Middleton's, and entering the final year of his rookie deal should motivate the former Heat forward to go to another level.
The trade that saw the Bucks part ways with Middleton after 11 years was clearly a financial flexibility move. Kyle Kuzma has been very hot and cold for Milwaukee, but last season he looked solid off the bench. His minutes dropped from when he was first acquired, yet his stats largely remained the same, with his efficiency jumping across the board.
Jaquez may get his starting shot with Bucks
After a dip in his second season, Jaquez showed his true value to Miami last season by averaging 15.4 points, five rebounds, and 4.7 assists from the bench, meaning he finished runner-up in Sixth Man of the Year voting.
When he first arrived in Milwaukee, it was unclear whether he would be inserted into the starting lineup or come off the bench. Training camp and preseason will give fans a better look. However, the roster right now suggests that Jaquez will be the frontrunner for the small forward spot in Taylor Jenkins' starting five.
A starting spot will help Jaquez elevate his game further, and on an expiring deal, it will let him argue why the Bucks should extend him.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is not Khris Middleton, and he may never be. There are similarities and differences in their games, but he can finally fill the void of providing some scoring at the wing position that the Bucks have been missing since they moved on from 22.
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