It was a wild trade deadline across the NBA, and the Milwaukee Bucks were one of the teams making big moves to try and improve their chance at winning a title.
Franchise legend Khris Middleton and rookie AJ Johnson were moved to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma in a deal that has had a mixed response from the fan base. Other moves included Jericho Sims and Kevin Porter Jr. coming in through less notable trades. In the aftermath, the Bucks have shaken up their depth chart and rotation.
Jon Horst made the moves but still leaves questions over whether moves for other bigger contracts like Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton were on the table. Yet, for now, we do not know, and other than any buyout players, the Milwaukee Bucks roster is close to being set.
Let's dive into the updated depth chart.
A look at the Milwaukee Bucks updated roster
Point guard - Damian Lillard, Ryan Rollins (Two-way)
Shooting guard - Gary Trent Jr., AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr., Pat Connaughton, Kevin Porter Jr., Stanley Umude (Two-way)
Small forward - Taurean Prince, Chris Livingston
Power forward - Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyle Kuzma, Tyler Smith
Center - Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Jericho Sims, Liam Robbins (Two-way)
The biggest hole on the roster now is the lack of small forwards. There is flexibility with Kuzma being a big small forward or going with one of the shooting guards as a smaller body there, but in terms of traditional players there, Taurean Prince may be asked to do a lot in terms of wing defense. Middleton, as mentioned, was in the Kuzma deal, and MarJon Beauchamp was moved to the LA Clippers for Porter, who has shown glimpses of his talent but clouded by off-court matters.
Livingston has shown glimpses of what he can bring to the Bucks rotation, but he has only played 12 games so far this season, averaging less than five minutes per game. That makes it difficult to see how he would suddenly be given a larger role following these moves.
Ryan Rollins is the clear backup point guard now, which is brilliant to see, with most hoping that he can have his two-way deal converted into a full contract with the roster down at 14 players as of February 7. Porter can be a ball handler if needed, as he is averaging 3.2 assists to go with 9.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and a steal on shooting splits of .423/.245/.645.
There is much more versatility with the rotations Doc Rivers can run with, as Kuzma and Giannis Antetokounmpo can be used at the four and five positions should he wish to go with a small lineup. Jericho Sims brings in some much-needed athleticism and youth in the frontcourt, but with both Portis and Brook Lopez still on the roster, it feels a little crowded now at the center position.
The lineups will likely be changed and tinkered with by Rivers as he finds out the best way for the new guys to fit in. Some insiders suggest that Kuzma would be a nice piece off the bench like Middleton was, getting to work against opposing second units and keeping the starting lineup continuity intact.
Expect the lineup to remain the same for now, but it would not be a shock if Kuzma slots into the small forward position at some point. If that is the case, he is having a poor shooting season from deep, and having him alongside Giannis and Andre Jackson Jr. puts a lot of pressure on Damian Lillard, Lopez and the bench guys to come in and make lots of threes.
They take on the Atlanta Hawks this Friday night, and it will be intriguing to see if any of the new acquisitions will be available.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks news and analysis.