The Milwaukee Bucks are officially back after the NBA All-Star break, which gave them a chance to get some much-needed rest after a hectic couple of months.
Once they come out of the break, all hands will need to be on deck if this team plans on reaching its full potential as championship contenders. No one will pity the Bucks for their mid-season coaching change or anything else occurring. The bottom line is if this team fails to win it all, they will be viewed as a failure in the eyes of everyone.
Of course, everything starts with Milwaukee's stars in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The Bucks are still waiting for Lillard to kick it into another gear. However, the role players will also have key roles for Milwaukee, and there are several in particular who could be difference makers down the stretch, a few of which are playing for their next contracts at the same time.
That said, let us look at three Bucks who could earn a payday in free agency if they finish the season out strong.
Jae Crowder
Many were surprised that Jae Crowder not only returned to the Bucks this past off-season but that he also did so on a minimum deal. It seems like after a disappointing close to the 2022-23 season, he clearly wanted to prove he could still play at a high level for a contender and potentially cash out during 2024 NBA free agency.
Thus far, it's been another tough year for Crowder, but that's largely due to an injury that forced him to undergo surgery mid-season, limiting him to 25 games. Crowder had been playing tremendous ball in the early stages of the season prior to the injury, but upon returning to the court, he's been looking to find a groove, and it's been a slow climb.
Crowder will likely be a key piece for Milwaukee down the stretch. They need someone to take on the tough assignments defensively, and he's likely going to receive that task often. If Crowder can be this team's version of 2021 P.J. Tucker, he could undeniably earn himself a quality raise in free agency just like Tucker did, especially if the forward helps Milwaukee raise the trophy at the end of the season.
Patrick Beverley
For most of his career, a lot of people said that Patrick Beverley is all bark and no bite, meaning that his impact is overrated. However, three All-Defensive selections speak for themselves, and the Bucks are hoping Beverley can bring a needed spark to the team on that side of things after acquiring him at the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline.
Although he might not be the defender he once was, Beverley undeniably still has fuel left in the tank. The 35-year-old veteran can serve as a pest by hounding opposing players of all shapes and sizes on a nightly basis. This team has lacked legitimate permieter defenders all season long, and the veteran has the potential to help them out mightily in that regard.
Beverley has played alongside a lot of great players on a lot of great teams, but he's never made it all the way. If the guard can help the Bucks go the distance and win a championship while playing a vital role in the rotation, he could undeniably earn himself a nice raise once he hits free agency. It could be a situation similar to P.J. Tucker in 2021 when he received a raise after hoisting the trophy.
For now, Beverley has to be thinking about the present. In his four games with the Bucks to this point, he hasn't been a major difference maker, but following the All-Star break, his minutes and role should increase, and his importance to this team's success will then follow. His defense, attitude and vocal presence could all be key factors for this team as they aim to right the ship coming out of the break.
Malik Beasley
Many were surprised when the Milwaukee Bucks managed to snag Malik Beasley on a minimum deal in free agency, as it was viewed as a bargain. In a B/R livestream with Chris Haynes, Beasley revealed that he actually turned down more money from the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks to bet on himself for a year and sign with the Bucks. Thus far, it's been a wise decision for the guard.
Starting in every contest this season for the first time in his career, Beasley has been a great starting shooting guard for Milwaukee, averaging 11.4 points while shooting 44.4 percent from behind the arc. He's done so while being relied on more defensively than he ever has been in his career, oftentimes taking on tough wing assignments from the opening tip off.
If Beasley continues this strong play after the NBA All-Star break, he could very well price himself out of the Bucks' range come this off-season. No shortage of teams would line up to land a marksman of his caliber on their roster in today's NBA. Of course, all of that will be sorted out later, as he's got to focus on helping the Bucks rebound from what has been a difficult and dysfunctional stretch lately.
All three of these players have what it takes to be key cogs for the Bucks down the stretch, and they could be rewarded handsomely if they are up to the task.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.