3 Key X-factors for the Milwaukee Bucks down the stretch in 2024

2- Danilo Gallinari

Gallinari hasn't provided much for Milwaukee yet, but his scoring should improve as he's on the team longer.

This was an under-the-radar signing for the team, as Milwaukee needed more scoring coming off the bench, and Gallinari has spent time under Doc Rivers during his time in LA, so it was a good fit for both sides.

Unfortunately, Gallinari hasn't found his role yet, as he's shooting a little over 20 percent and didn't score a point in the team's two-game losing streak.

Connaughton, Portis, and Green have exceeded expectations with their play of late, but Gallinari is the only player who hasn't contributed much.

Down the stretch of the season, Gallinari has to become a better shooter because that would be his only value to Milwaukee. Matchups in the postseason are player-based, and if you're not shooting the ball well or not hitting your shots, the rotations become smaller.

Gallinari hasn't been known as a good defender in his career. According to Stat Muse, his defensive rating this season is 121.6, meaning he's in the lower half of the NBA in defense. 

Gallinari being a poor defender and not a good shooter isn't a recipe for him being a part of Doc Rivers' rotation heading into the postseason.

For Gallinari to be an X-factor, he has to start hitting shots at a consistent clip. He had seven points Tuesday against the Kings, and if he can continue that, he'll have a role heading into the postseason.