After constantly tinkering with his rotations during the NBA Preseason, it was obvious that Milwaukee Bucks Coach Taylor Jenkins would likely do it during the regular season as well. The question was just how soon he might start making tweaks. It didn't take long at all. Jenkins replacing Ousmane Dieng in the rotation in the third game of the season sent a message to all: no role is safe.
Dieng loses his reserve spot to Ament
Fresh off signing a contract extension this offseason, Dieng started the season firmly in Milwaukee's rotation as a backup forward. In two games, he didn't quite live up to the hype, averaging four points, 2.5 rebounds, and two assists per contest, shooting 33.3 percent from the floor. Jenkins, rather than waiting for him to escape the slump, decided to see what Nate Ament could do in game three.
Ament logged 10 minutes off the bench, while Dieng didn't record a second as the Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Philadelphia 76ers. Considering Ament poured in just three rebounds and a single point, it's not like he stole the show, so it won't be surprising if Jenkins goes back to Dieng. Still, it's nice to see a coach adjusting when something clearly isn't working to potentially uncover an alternative.
It should send a clear message to everyone within earshot, serving as motivation for them to always put their best foot forward every single night.
Bucks' weak forward rotation is on display
The elephant in the room following Milwaukee's offseason shakeup was how their forward room had some holes. Though Jaime Jaquez Jr. is off to an unbelievable start, the other players in the rotation bring more question marks.
Watching Kyle Kuzma is like riding a roller coaster. Ousmane Dieng has the potential but is still getting used to playing actual NBA minutes. Ament is a fresh-faced 19-year-old still adapting to NBA life. Pete Nance is on a two-way contract. It's not shocking at all that Jenkins started mixing up his rotation just two games into the new season. And it won't be surprising when he does it again.
Everyone should use it as motivation. While some might tremble at the thought of losing their spot if they don't live up to expectations, others can take the glass half full approach and see Taylor Jenkins' willingness to shake things up on the fly as a route to being in the rotation full-time. For now, no one can get comfortable, especially in this shaky forward rotation.
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