There are plenty of decisions to make over the Milwaukee Bucks' starting lineup for the 2024-25 NBA season. One of which is, can AJ Green or Gary Trent Jr. play as the primary wing defender?
Both players stood out last season and were impressive in the first-round series loss to the Indiana Pacers (despite Trent's Game 5 blunder). Surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo with shooting has been the blueprint for some time now; it may also be the plan moving forward.
No one knows what Doc Rivers will do, but asking one of the two to be the primary wing defender will be a big ask.
It is a huge ask for Green or Trent to be the primary wing defender
Green's ascension from a two-way player to a key piece on the roster has been great to watch. We have always known that he is a great shooter, but his defense has come a long way, too. Last season, he averaged 7.4 points and 2.4 rebounds on shooting splits of .429/.427/.815.
Trent's first season as a Buck was on a steal of a contract, and they managed to re-sign him to another cheap deal for what he can offer. Last season, he averaged 11.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and a steal on shooting splits of .431/.416/.848.
A pair of 40 percent shooters from deep is such a valuable commodity in the modern NBA, and the Bucks could potentially start them together. There are still question marks over their defense. Green has improved drastically, but may not be at the level yet to guard the best wing on opposing rosters. Trent is similar. His defense is solid, but early on in the 2024-25 season, he and Damian Lillard just couldn't figure things out defensively, and that led to him being a good option off the bench.
Taurean Prince re-signed, and of course, Kyle Kuzma is looking to bounce back from what has been a tough start to his career in Wisconsin. Those two are more traditional small forwards, with better size to match up to the likes of Jaylen Brown or Franz Wagner at the wing positions in the Eastern Conference. Prince is another player who shot over 40 percent from deep. Kuzma was down at 33.3 percent, so that shooting would be lost if he started.
There are so many ways the Bucks can go this season. The roster has seen a huge overhaul, with the average age dropping significantly. The athleticism and defensive versatility are in a much better place than it was a year ago. Finding the best combination is down to Rivers and the coaching staff.
Green and Trent could both start together, and the offensive firepower would be brilliant. One of them would have to be the primary wing defender, and that is asking a lot.