Since Giannis Antetokounmpo returned, the Milwaukee Bucks have been mixing and matching their starting lineups, but they haven't included the best one. On paper, the group of Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, Ousmane Dieng, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Myles Turner features like it would be the best fit for what the team is trying to do. Yet, a recent injury to Porter has put that idea on pause.
Porter's injury is a massive blow to the Milwaukee Bucks
Porter is set to miss some time due to right knee swelling. It's the same knee in which he suffered a torn meniscus early this season, so the team will likely be extra cautious. Doc Rivers didn't have any clue on a timetable for his return, but he made it clear that there is some cause for concern with the latest Porter injury development.
Just when the Bucks got Giannis Antetokounmpo back, they lose another piece of the puzzle who had been playing elite-level basketball over the past month.
With Porter out, a spot in the starting lineup has emerged. In Milwaukee's last game, a blowout loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Ryan Rollins earned the nod after he was benched in the prior outing. That should have never happened. Breaking up the Porter-Rollins pairing was a puzzling decision from the jump, given how well they've played off one another.
The Bucks have their ideal lineup if Doc Rivers wants to use it
Upon Kevin Porter Jr.'s return, whenever that may be, Doc Rivers needs to roll out the Porter-Rollins-Deing-Antetokounmpo-Turner unit.
In Giannis' absence, Porter and Rollins developed elite chemistry and were putting up similar stats to some of the best players in the NBA. Dieng is still rough around the edges, but he's been elite with his perimeter shooting and offers needed size on the wing. Antetokounmpo is still an elite two-way force. Turner, though falling out of favor in the rotation, is also still a sweet-shooting big with some defense.
To make this lineup work, Doc Rivers would have to demote AJ Green to the bench for the first time this season. While Green's shooting is absolutely needed, he's been stuck in a slump lately with no end in sight. Sometimes, a change of scenery can help a player get into a groove. With the shooting Porter and Rollins provide, it's not Milwaukee is living and dying by Green's contributions.
At this point, Milwaukee's best lineup is staring Doc Rivers in the face. He should have used it in the loss to Boston when he had the chance. Now, it may take some time before he's able to use it.
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