When you think of the most dominant transition threats in the NBA, players like Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James, and Giannis Antetokounmpo come to mind. Jaime Jaquez Jr. certainly isn't among them, but he was surprisingly one of the league's most productive transition threats last year. As the Milwaukee Bucks look to regroup following Giannis' exit, Jaquez could help keep the transition game running.
Jaquez was an excellent transition threat
Despite drawing comparisons to beloved former Buck Khris Middleton due to his slow but smooth offensive attack and overlooked passing chops, Jaquez was excellent in transition last season. Per NBA.com, he tallied 361 points in transition last season, 11th in the entire NBA. For Jaquez to even be in this conversation at all is impressive, and the Bucks will look to use that skill set.
With Giannis missing a good chunk of the season, the Milwaukee Bucks ranked dead last in transition points league-wide with just 1,515. At the other end of the spectrum, the Miami Heat ranked first by totaling exactly 1,000 more transition points than Milwaukee. Talk about a Grand Canyon- sized gap. Jaquez wasn't solely responsible for this feat, but he played a major part.
No one is saying Jaquez will replace Antetokounmpo's transition dominance, but he can at least help the Milwaukee Bucks rank better than last in the NBA in productivity.
Transition play can become a Bucks' strength
In this Giannis Antetokounmpo-less era, energy and effort need to become Milwaukee's calling card. The last few years have been plagued by a lack of effort that has sent their productivity into a freefall. Taylor Jenkins must have his players eager to make all of the hustle plays each and every night, but establishing that this team needs to get out in transition will be particularly essential.
Jaquez can establish the attack, but the Milwaukee Bucks have several other capable scoring threats. Tyler Herro can be a crucial piece here. Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. generate steals at a level few players can. Kel'el Ware's athleticism opens up a world of possibilities for the Bucks. Whether it's at the hoop, from deep, or wherever else, Milwaukee needs to capitalize on these opportunities.
If they all come together and do it consistently, the Bucks can start this new era off on the right foot by correcting one of their most painful Achilles' heels in recent memory.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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