With training camp nearing, one question the Milwaukee Bucks will have to answer in time is who the fifth starter will be.
Though the answer may seem obvious due to one particular signing, nothing has been set in stone by Doc Rivers just yet. As camp gets underway, players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and show why they deserve to start. With all of that said, let us highlight three Bucks who have a case to start and three who should be out of the equation.
In the mix - Gary Trent Jr.
Trent is the safest bet to be Milwaukee's fifth starter, and for good reason. The newcomer is incredibly talented, particularly as a floor spacer. A career 38.6 percent 3-point shooter, Trent should thrive if he were to start alongside Milwaukee's other starters due to the sheer number of quality looks he'd earn on a nightly basis. This five-man group could possibly fuel a career year for the shooting guard.
The factor that will make or break Trent's case to start is his defense. Damian Lillard requires a partner in the backcourt who can take pressure off of him defensively, and there are questions about whether Trent can play that role, as he's never been a stout defender. If he impresses defensively in camp, the wing could silence any notion of anyone else claiming the starting gig.
Out of the mix - Pat Connaughton
Due to his continuity with this roster and the starters, Pat Connaughton cannot be dismissed in the starting two-guard hunt. However, unless he flat-out dazzles in camp and the preseason, it seems unlikely that Connaughton could leap past Trent or several of the other names on this list. He's never been a consistent starter in his career, and it's unlikely he'll start now.
Connaughton will have to fight for a role in the rotation as a whole, let alone as a starter this season. With his struggles persisting over the past two years, there are questions as to how much he has to give, and there are plenty of people who think the Bucks should move Connaughton in a trade or swap him in the rotation for a younger player. This is a make-or-break year for Pat Connaughton.
In the mix - Delon Wright
On paper, Delon Wright could just be best suited to be Milwaukee's backup point guard behind Lillard. However, there's certainly an argument that he could also play next to him to start games due to their differing playstyles and how well they complement each other. Simply put, Lillard could bring offense while Wright locks in defensively and takes on the tougher backcourt matchup.
Wright is a better defender than Trent, so if Doc Rivers wants a clear-cut strong defender in the lineup next to Lillard, the veteran guard might be a better bet. Wright would round out a versatile starting five with his defense, versatility and length. Yet, with the roster currently constructed as it is, Wright will be the backup point guard, in all likelihood, due to the team not having any other options.
Out of the mix - AJ Green
If the Milwaukee Bucks were simply looking for more shooting at the two-guard spot, AJ Green would be worth a look. The wing is one of the best marksman on the entire roster, and he could undoubtedly space the floor well for the other starters. However, this particular spot needs to be occupied with someone who can also hold it down defensively, and it's unknown if the youngster is ready for that.
To his credit, Green did show growth defensively last season, using his sturdy frame to not get taken advantage of in individual matchups. He has the traits to be a good defender, he just has to find that groove and stay in it. If he does so, this could be an interesting conversation next offseason, but for now, Green will come off the bench, in all likelihood, where he should see nice minutes.
In the mix - Taurean Prince
A starting lineup with Taurean Prince would be awfully reminiscent of the lineup that helped the Bucks win it all in 2021. Like P.J. Tucker did, Prince would be tasked with taking on the most difficult matchup like his life depended on it, freeing up the other stars to lead offensively. It's not controversial to think that Prince is also a better offensive player, including being a more reliable shooter.
While Prince would fit in nicely, it does feel like the Bucks may roll with a natural shooting guard over a forward to round out their lineup. Prince himself said that he's ready to backup Khris Middleton, so the veteran won't be too beat up if that is the case. Still, the idea of Prince starting cannot be dismissed entirely until things are official. Either way, he should be a key cog in this Milwaukee Bucks rotation.
Out of the mix - Bobby Portis
Not many people likely had this one on their bingo cards, but the Milwaukee Bucks used some pretty peculiar lineup combinations last season, so nothing should be ruled out. The Bucks have used this jumbo lineup with Giannis, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis situationally in the past to mixed results, but they should not even think about making it a significant part of what they do every night.
The Bucks need Portis' production off the bench to keep them afloat. The scoring and rebounding he brings is far too valuable to make him a full-time starter. Portis' fit with the other starters just doesn't make much sense, as there would be three bigs roaming around the court and packing the paint for each other. It would be an awkward mess, so it's best not to shake things up too drastically here.
Gary Trent Jr. is the obvious starting pick here, and it will likely ultimately be him chosen for the job.
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