While Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. have taken most of the spotlight since the Milwaukee Bucks' season began, they aren't the only former Miami Heat players producing. Both Kasparas Jakucionis and Kel'el Ware have been incredibly productive off the bench, quietly helping Milwaukee's second unit become one of their strengths.
Jakucionis, Ware productive in their own rights
There were glimpses of Jakucionis' pristine passing with Miami last season, but they didn't unearth it like the Bucks have. In these four games, the guard is averaging 3.8 assists per outing. His 15 assists off the bench are tied for the fourth-most in the NBA, showing how much the Milwaukee Bucks have allowed him to spread his wings early.
While he hasn't been passing like Jakucionis, Ware has been productive in his own right by tallying 53 points off the bench. He's top five in the NBA in second unit points, trailing former Bucks center Brook Lopez by a single point. Despite shooting just 25 percent on his 3-pointers thus far, Ware is thriving in Taylor Jenkins' schemes.
As you might have guessed, both players are helping each other get these numbers. Ware is shooting 5-of-7 on 2-point looks when Jakucionis passes him the ball. With Jakucionis' vision and Ware's lob-threat capabilities, the two are a perfect match in pick-and-roll situations, which is something worth exploring further for the Milwaukee Bucks. These two can be the one-two punch the bench needs.
Where both players go from here
At just 20 and 22, Jakucionis and Ware are still so young. The sky is the limit, and the good news is that they have a coach in Taylor Jenkins who can prioritize their development. Pairing them together as much as possible off the bench is a good place to start. Based on the early returns, these two feed off each other, and their previously established chemistry from their Miami days is helping.
Moving forward, both players must largely keep doing what has worked with their connection on the lob plays close to the hoop. If there is room for improvement, it starts with cutting back on the fouls, which would allow them to be on the court and explore this pairing further. Jakucionis and Ware rank first and (tied for) second on the team in total fouls with 15 and 14.
They are young, so it's not surprising, but these fouls have limited their availability at times. Think of how productive they could be if they got even more time together rather than battling foul trouble.
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