The Milwaukee Bucks have won eight of their last 10 games as the team is really finding its flow. Kevin Porter Jr. is leading the way, and he is giving the Bucks some real offensive firepower, something that MarJon Beauchamp never could.
Bucks riding on the coattails of Porter's impressive performances
A season-high 32 points against the Miami Heat on Tuesday for Porter was backed up by 20 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, including the game-winning mid-range shot that ensured the Bucks won five of their previous six games.
In the four games since the All-Star break, Porter is averaging 24.5 points, 7.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and three steals on shooting splits of .629/.375/.850. It's been a crazy run of performances for a guy the Milwaukee Bucks got for very little.
Porter has helped lead a rejuvenated backcourt for Milwaukee, with so many questions from the offseason being answered with their recent performances. Ryan Rollins has become a really nice partner for him in the backcourt, taking over key defensive assignments, but providing Porter with support on offense, and Cam Thomas has been a great addition off the bench.
Shot selection has been a huge improvement for Porter of late. Throughout his career, it has been clear he has the talent to score from anywhere and create for himself, but it would become frustrating to watch as he tried to do too much. Now, he is taking smarter shots and is not trying to force the offense by taking poor-quality shots.
Beauchamp, on the other hand, has found it very difficult to find his way in the NBA. He is the same age as Porter, but was drafted in 2022 at 22 years old, where he showed plenty of promise for the Bucks in his rookie season, and many thought the poor draft history would end soon.
However, he struggled to kick on and was traded in a direct swap with Porter in the 2024-25 season. His time with the Clippers was cut short; he then moved on to the New York Knicks and is currently on a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, featuring just twice in the NBA this season.
Trading away a player who has played just 37 games for an average of 5.2 minutes per game for a close to 20 point per game scorer across the season is a steal of a trade for the Bucks. Over recent years, the big deals have faltered, but the small deals around the side have been successful.
Game by game, the Bucks are looking better and better, but there is still a long way to go for them to reach their goal. They are currently 1.5 games back of the Play-In spots, and we know that is the goal with Giannis Antetokounmpo's return set to boost the team should they make the postseason.
Kevin Porter Jr. has given the Bucks a much-needed spark on offense since his arrival, but now he is really becoming a bargain of a player, not only for the trade to acquire him, but also for the contract he is on. The Bucks are rolling, and Porter is right at the forefront of their recent success.