Updated look at Milwaukee Bucks' roster after NBA trade deadline and buyout moves
By Dalton Sell
Barring some abrupt and unforeseen change, the Milwaukee Bucks have put the finishing touches on their standard roster.
While their roster changes have not been as significant as many had hoped, the team made moves around the edges. Essentially, they swapped out Cameron Payne. Robin Lopez, a second-round pick and cash considerations for Patrick Beverley and Danilo Gallinari. Even if they are smaller changes, the Bucks did get better on paper. That said, let us break down the roster.
Updated look at Milwaukee Bucks' roster after NBA trade deadline and buyout moves
Point guards - Damian Lillard, Patrick Beverley, TyTy Washington (Two-way)
Shooting guards - Malik Beasley, Pat Connaughton, AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr.
Small forwards - Khris Middleton, MarJon Beauchamp, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Chris Livingston
Power forwards - Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jae Crowder, Danilo Gallinari
Centers - Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis
Right off the bat, Gallinari is placed under the power forward section, but he's capable of also being a small forward. It wouldn't be surprising to see him play both during his time with Milwaukee, giving the team a versatile 6-foot-10 forward who can provide a spark on offense. Having a piece like that who's capable of being plugged in to multiple lineup combinations should help.
Sticking with versatility, Beverley can play either point guard or shooting guard. The guard can either allow Lillard to catch his breath and take his place or play alongside him. His stats with the Bucks thus far might not jump off the page, but he's provided a needed spark in his limited minutes. His playing time should increase after the NBA All-Star break.
Once the team returns from the hiatus, the coaching staff needs to have conversations about one of the other guards leapfrogging Pat Connaughton in the rotation. The guard has had a season to forget from start to finish, and players like AJ Green or Andre Jackson Jr. may simply be better equipped to help this team right now despite their inexperience.
It must be noted that the Bucks also have a pair of two-way contracts still useable, and they have for quite a while now. Two-way players cannot play in the postseason, but they can be used for a chunk of the regular season. It's somewhat strange that the team has not filled them yet, but perhaps the front office is surveying the landscape and doing homework.
The biggest questions revolve around which role players can do their part to help the starters on a nightly basis. When Milwaukee's bench is getting outscored by a single opposing reserve again and again, the concerns are there. Of course, they also need defense. Doc Rivers now has plenty of role players to choose from if he wants to alter his rotations.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.