The Milwaukee Bucks made an assortment of deals at this year's NBA Trade Deadline, bringing in three new pieces for Doc Rivers to utilize.
Although there are undoubtedly question marks regarding how this group can gel, there is, on paper, an understanding that the Bucks want to at least switch up the formula. The aging Bucks brought in a trio of young players to complement their core, and they all bring clear things that can help this team.
That said, let us highlight the prominent factors that will make-or-break the newcomers regarding what they must bring to the table.
Kyle Kuzma - Buy into his role and bring two-way versatility
Kyle Kuzma is not Khris Middleton. The Bucks did not trade for Kuzma to be Middleton. In addition to getting under the second apron, this was about adding a younger and more versatile two-way piece. The most significant adjustment will be going from being a primary ball-handler on the Wizards to being a complementary piece next to Milwaukee's stars.
Though it wouldn't hurt, the Milwaukee Bucks don't need Kuzma to be the 20-plus point-per-matchup scorer he's shown he can be. They need him to be the player who bought into his role and helped the Los Angeles Lakers win the NBA title in 2020. That involves providing strong defense, knocking down shots when needed, aggressively rebounding and taking pressure off of the stars.
Any success Kuzma sees in Milwaukee starts with him embracing his versatility. The Bucks will likely mix him in various lineups, whether it involves slotting him at the four next to Giannis Antetokounmpo or at the three in jumbo lineups with the Greek Freak and Brook Lopez. If he finds a way to make his presence felt in all of these lineups, especially defensively, he will fit in like a glove.
Jericho Sims - Bring athleticism AND defense to the center spot
For months, Milwaukee Bucks fans have been pleading for the front office to add more athleticism at the center spot. Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis, while impactful in some regards, simply cannot keep up with younger, faster and more athletic bigs in today's NBA. Milwaukee needed to bring in a player who could give them a fresh look at center, and they did that by trading for Jericho Sims.
While Sims never carved out a role during his four-year stint with the New York Knicks, he always put his impressive athletic ability on display whenever he did hit the court. He's a leaper, possessing an impressive knack for catching lobs and swatting shots, something that Milwaukee's current bigs do not possess. He could be a breath of fresh air at times, giving this group just what they need.
The need for Sims was on full display in Milwaukee's recent loss to the Hawks. Despite Brook Lopez getting taken advantage of at every turn defensively, Doc Rivers opted to keep him out there rather than going with Sims to try something new. Hopefully this was just a case of Rivers wanting to get the newcomer acclimated with the system first. If this continues, it could be a flat-out nightmare.
Kevin Porter Jr. - Find his stride as a second-unit scorer and facilitator
With Khris Middleton now in Washington, the Milwaukee Bucks will now need someone to pick up the slack as a shot-creator and facilitator off the bench. Understanding this, the Bucks front office swung a last-minute trade for Kevin Porter Jr. just as the deadline buzzer rang. Porter doesn't immediately fill Middleton's shoes, but there is hope that he can at least help.
Though he's currently having a down year, Porter has shown throughout his young career that he can put points on the board in a hurry, and he can do it from all over the court. Doing it efficiently is where the 24-year-old needs to show growth, but the potential is there. He could also very well serve as the primary backup ball-handler, with the Bucks calling on him to create plays for other Milwaukee Bucks.
Rather than simply surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard with perimeter shooters, the Bucks now have another creator, which could take pressure off of them. The move has plenty of potential, but time will tell if it pays off. The biggest area worth monitoring is Porter's 3-point shot, as he is currently knocking in just 24.5 percent this season. If he bumps that up, it could help mightily.
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