NBA training camp is approaching, and the Milwaukee Bucks still have plenty of roster uncertainties. Above all else, the starting lineup is far from set in stone. Taylor Jenkins could very well form his first five based on what he sees in camp. Let's break down a few battles that could end up playing a huge part in how the Bucks look next season.
Porter vs. Rollins
Given his sizeable contract, it feels like a given that Tyler Herro will start for the Bucks. Who will start next to him in the backcourt is the real question. The two obvious candidates are Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins, two guards who spent plenty of time starting last season. How they perform in camp will almost certainly dictate the outcome here.
Leading up to camp, both players have a case. Rollins can make things happen with the ball, but he's also excellent off the ball and could take significant defensive pressure off Herro. Porter is a fantastic shot creator who could take more control of the offense and take some of that workout off of Herro. Camp will be a crucial time for both players.
Dieng vs. Jaquez
Small forward is perhaps the biggest uncertainty on Milwaukee's current roster. As is, the two likeliest candidates to roll out with the first five are Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Ousmane Dieng. Of the two, Jaquez is the more experienced, while Dieng flexed potential with the Bucks after coming over via trade last season. Both have their pros and cons.
Jaquez is the better player, though one could argue his best role involves coming off the bench after a second-place finish in the Sixth Man of the Year race last season. Yet, perhaps he could reach new heights in a bigger role. The same could be said for Dieng, who looked like a legitimate contributor for the first time in his NBA career after landing in Milwaukee. This one could be tight.
Brayden Burries vs. Everyone
It's no secret that the Milwaukee Bucks have an abundance of guards, which could make it difficult for Brayden Burries to earn significant playing time. Players such as the three aforementioned guards, AJ Green, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Gary Trent Jr., could all be ahead of him in the pecking order. Burries needs to go at all of them head-on to make an early statement.
Rollins, Herro, and Porter all feel like they will have prominent roles, but the opportunity for Burries to leapfrog any of the other guards feels there for the taking. If he is dazzling throughout training camp, especially when matched up with his fellow guards, Burries' odds of not only making his way into the rotation but in a prominent capacity will increase.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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