The Milwaukee Bucks needed to get far more versatile at the NBA Trade Deadline.
Far too often, their lineup combinations were stale and predictable. On paper, Jon Horst answered the call by trading for Kyle Kuzma, a 6-foot-10 forward who can play countless positions and guard just as many. Kuzma has undeniably brought some added versatility, but due to Doc Rivers, he still hasn't been able to show it in what could be Milwaukee's most dangerous lineup combination.
The Milwaukee Bucks still haven't used their small lineup
Per tracking data on NBA.com, the Milwaukee Bucks have not used a small ball lineup involving both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kyle Kuzma since the All-Star break ended. Another center, whether it be Brook Lopez or Jericho Sims, has been on the floor at all times with these two. That's a slap in the face for the Milwaukee Bucks, considering how lethal that combination could be.
Everyone remembers how crucial those small lineups were for Milwaukee during their 2021 title run. With Giannis at the five, P.J. Tucker played the four and unlocked a whole new level of versatility that made this team formidable on both ends due to the ability to switch everything defensively and space the floor adequately on offense. The 2024-25 Milwaukee Bucks need that same energy.
Rather than rolling with a small lineup for even one single minute, Doc Rivers is relying heavily on his starting center in Brook Lopez. In four games since play resumed, Lopez is averaging 32.6 minutes per game. That's simply too much for a soon-to-be 37-year-old who has struggled to keep up with younger, more agile players and whose 3-point shot remains streaky.
Lopez can still help in spurts, but rather than running him into the ground when it's clear he is stuck in the mud sometimes, Rivers should give him a break and go small. Sims has shown that he can help in his minutes at center by giving them a more mobile and athletic option than Lopez, but he's certainly still not as impactful in those regards as a Giannis at center lineup would be.
It's unfathomable that the Milwaukee Bucks haven't even tried their small lineup in the four matchups since the All-Star break ended. Giannis Antetokounmpo shouldn't be the full-time center, but down the stretch of games or when the Bucks need to tighten up defensively, they should absolutely use some form of lineup with Giannis at center and Kyle Kuzma at the power forward spot.
There are many combinations Rivers could try, but a Lillard-Green-Prince-Kuzma-Antetokounmpo five-player lineup could give this Milwaukee team a needed jolt at times.
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