Milwaukee Bucks stock watch after NBA All-Star break: 3 Risers, 1 faller

Riser - Pat Connaughton

A lot of what was said about Bobby Portis can be said about Pat Connaughton. For much of the year, the veteran two guard had been struggling mightily, and plenty of the fans wanted to see him moved or taken out of Milwaukee's rotation. Yet, after the NBA All-Star break, Connaughton has been much better than his early-season self.

Over these 11 contests, Connaughton has averaged 7.9 points, three rebounds and 1.7 assists while sinking 46 percent of his field goals and 35.6 percent of his shots from long range. He has looked like the Connaughton of old, hitting shots both from the outside and right at the rim, hauling in rebounds and even showing off his playmaking chops, as he did in a recent win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Like Portis, being able to let out a sigh of relief after the deadline passed knowing that he will stay in Milwaukee may have helped up Connaughton's performance. Doc Rivers said that he spoke with the veteran guard during the All-Star break about things, and whatever it was, it has seemingly helped Connaughton out mightily.

He's not quite at 2021 Pat Connaughton status yet, but there's no denying that he has improved his individual stock since returning to action. If he can keep it up, he may end up being one of the most important players on the roster in big situations.