With the Milwaukee Bucks likely not making any more sizeable moves, many have already penciled in the new starting five to feature both Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner in the frontcourt. Under any other head coach, perhaps. However, Taylor Jenkins is known to have an affinity for double big man units, and the Bucks are well-equipped to deploy one.
Jenkins deploying a double big man lineup would be on brand
During his time with the Memphis Grizzlies, Jenkins often used Jaren Jackson Jr. at power forward and players like Steven Adams, Brandon Clarke, and Xavier Tillman Sr. at center. Jackson, a multiple- time All-Star, seemed to thrive, especially when paired with Adams, who could take pressure off him on the glass and defensively.
The Milwaukee Bucks are familiar with this strategy. Heck, Jenkins himself potentially drew inspiration from Mike Budenholzer using both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez when he was coaching as an assistant in 2018-19. Now, the question is whether Jenkins will utilize that strategy in Milwaukee or if he wants to roll with a more traditional lineup pairing, like Kuzma and Turner.
Though Kuzma would make sense as the starting power forward, he doesn't fit the Jaren Jackson Jr. archetype, given that he's shorter and cannot also double as a center. Instead, it feels more likely that Jenkins could slide Kuzma to the three and start two legitimate big men at the four and five spots. Of course, that is just speculation.
Possible double big man option for Taylor Jenkins to use
The obvious answer is Kel'el Ware and Myles Turner. Ware has the athleticism and the versatile traits that similarly helped Jackson thrive as a four. Meanwhile, Turner has the defensive chops to protect the hoop while also being a threat from all over the court on the other end. They could be a nice one-two punch on both ends, with Jericho Sims providing needed depth off the bench.
It would be quite the change for Ware, who has played 100 percent of his career minutes as a center, per Basketball-Reference. Yet, if Jenkins wants to implement the strategy he famously used with the Grizzlies, Ware will be the one who must adapt, especially as he looks to stake his claim during his fresh start with the Milwaukee Bucks.
If this is the path Jenkins travels, the Bucks can only hope this duo would have as much success as the last double big man pairing that was in town in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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