Defensive play was undeniably a significant concern for the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this season.
While they showed flashes, the Bucks struggled to guard just about everyone, especially teams with younger, faster and more athletic personnel. If this team wanted to contend, this issue needed to be addressed at the NBA Trade Deadline. Understanding this, general manager Jon Horst went out and made several calculated moves that have helped strengthen Milwaukee's defense.
The Bucks' newcomers are making a world of difference on defense
To combat the youth and versatility of their opponents, the Milwaukee Bucks went out and got some of it on their side. It hasn't been a seamless transition, but the trio of Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jericho Sims have all bought into their roles from day one and seem to be getting more comfortable with each passing game.
With the new faces buying in and Giannis Antetokounmpo returning after missing time due to injury, the Milwaukee Bucks possess the league's third-best defensive rating following the All-Star break. Sure, it's a small sample size of only six games, but the Bucks should be encouraged by these early returns, as they can keep building with these newcomers and a healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Everyone knows what Giannis brings defensively on a nightly basis with his seemingly limitless motor, and the newcomers are displaying their strengths as well.
While his offense still needs some refining, there's no denying Kuzma's impact on defense. Utilizing a 6-foot-10 build, the forward has been cycling through various matchups and defending players of all shapes and sizes on a nightly basis. Following the NBA All-Star break, players are shooting 30-of-78 (38.5 percent) with Kuzma as their primary defender. He's been a flat-out pest for opponents.
Jericho Sims has given Milwaukee the athletic big they've been seeking for months. His fingerprints were all over the team's win over the Dallas Mavericks, where he played solid defense. The difference between Sims and Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis is that Sims is much quicker on his feet and holds his own much better against quicker, athletic players, and it's helped the defense mightily.
The biggest example of this yet came against Dallas. Matched up against Dante Exum on the 3-point line, Sims stayed stride for stride with his matchup as he drove to the hoop. When Exum went up for a layup, he was met by Sims, who swatted his shot away. It was an impressive play by the newcomer that showed why he could be the backup this team needs.
As for Porter, he's shown glimpses of being a solid one-on-one defender, but his biggest impact has come from disrupting passing lanes and keeping active hands. He's currently averaging a team-high 1.8 steals per contest after the break, giving the Milwaukee Bucks more opportunities on offense by simply being engaged on defense.
The versatile, switch-friendly defense the Milwaukee Bucks have played since getting these three and a healthy Antetokounmpo has worked wonders for this team. After starting the season relying heavily on aging veterans, this new change has given the Bucks the shot in the arm they desperately needed.
If they can keep it up, defense could be arguably the greatest strength of a Milwaukee team that has plenty of weapons on the offensive side of things as well.
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