Jalen Brunson has done what many thought was impossible. The small guard led his team to an NBA title. However, that shouldn't be cause for teams across the league to suddenly be head over heels for that archetype. A small guard still has limitations, and teams must aim to limit them around said small guard if they will truly play a big role. The Milwaukee Bucks must not get that mixed up.
Why the Knicks worked, while Bucks didn't
The Knicks are currently celebrating their first title in 53 years because of their excellent overall roster construction. Brunson is the engine that makes the team go, of course, but it helps having players like OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart by his side to hide his defensive limitations. When teams try to pick on Brunson defensively, these three can shield him.
New York never needed Brunson to be an elite defender because they had so many players around him who would take that responsibility. If Brunson didn't have those three—and just an overall strong roster—there is no guarantee they are anywhere close to this position. Just ask the Bucks, who know a thing or two about failed teams with a star small guard.
Milwaukee's Damian Lillard experiment never got off the ground. While Lillard and Antetokounmpo were a dominant one-two punch, the rest of the roster lacked firepower. Unlike New York, there were no real wings to help Lillard defensively. In addition to having to score constantly, Lillard would have to hold his ground defensively. Poor roster building—and injuries—prevented any success.
Bucks must be cautious with next steps
Perhaps seeing Jalen Brunson get it done on the big stage helps ease fears the Milwaukee Bucks may have about smaller guards. Darius Acuff Jr., who measured 6-foot-2 barefoot, is among several players the Bucks have done homework on before the NBA Draft. The talent will certainly cement him as a top-10 pick, but his size is concerning some teams.
If the Milwaukee Bucks were to land Acuff, whether through trading up or having him fall into their lap 10th overall, they would have to adequately build around him. Go find your versions of OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges. Without them, this team would practically be begging for teams to pick on Acuff. That's not a recipe for success.
Small guards can have a place in the NBA. Finals MVP Jalen Brunson is living proof. However, the big takeaway from his dominance should not be that smaller guards in general can get it done. That is the true lesson in all of this. Teams cannot allow themselves to be tricked this summer into thinking that a small guard by himself is the key to success.
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