With so much depth on the roster, Taylor Jenkins will have plenty of options to weigh when forming his first starting lineup with the Milwaukee Bucks. One of the prominent uncertain areas is the small forward spot, which could go many ways. Jaime Jaquez Jr. feels like the current favorite, but if they snag rumored target Jonathan Kuminga, the Bucks would likely roll with him instead.
Bucks have a JJJ decision awaiting them
In his third NBA season, Jaquez finished second in last season's Sixth Man of the Year voting. Now, the Bucks must decide whether to keep him in that reserve role he's proven to thrive in or bump him up to the starting lineup full-time, giving him the most significant opportunity of his young career. It's a decision the Bucks are likely already thinking about heavily.
If they get their hands on Kuminga, that decision could be made easier. One of the biggest selling points to lure Kuminga to Milwaukee would likely revolve around landing a starting role. Given that he's never had a consistently prominent role throughout his entire career, it would make sense if he finally earned that with the Bucks while the team kept JJJ as a second-unit sparkplug.
Kuminga-Jaquez could be a nice one-two punch
This would be quite the forward duo. With his elite athleticism, Kuminga could be a force in transition who can score at will and rebound persistently. When it's time for him to catch his breath, Jaquez has the tools to keep the bench brigade afloat with his scoring, rebonding, and facilitating. After years of struggling to have steady support on the wing, this duo could be a great asset for the Bucks.
Of course, the Milwaukee Bucks have to acquire Kuminga's signature first, which will be far easier said than done. Plenty of teams, including the revamped Los Angeles Lakers, are on the hunt for the wing and have a legitimate shot at landing him. If he wants both a starting role and a nice paycheck, there might not be a better spot than Milwaukee, though.
Until the Milwaukee Bucks land Kuminga, however, Jaquez should be viewed as the favorite to be the team's starting three next season. Currently set to play on an expiring contract while eyeing a payday next summer, an increased role could be exactly what Jaquez needs to cash out in due time.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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