The Milwaukee Bucks made the ultimate low-risk move by signing Amir Coffey to a training camp deal recently. Coffey has a chance to compete for a roster spot on a team that could certainly use a small forward of his talents. With Coffey on the roster, this group boasts plenty of quality depth, something they've lacked in recent memory.
In past years, the Milwaukee Bucks would have had to rely heavily on the top-billed stars because the depth around them wasn't great. This led to heavy minutes - and more strain - on those names. If they wanted to win - or even compete - they didn't have a choice. Now, at least on paper, this roster has a good amount of depth from top to bottom that could help nip that problem in the bud.
Bucks' depth chart after Amir Coffey signing
Point guard: Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, Cole Anthony, Mark Sears (two-way), Jamaree Bouyea (two-way)
Shooting guard: Gary Trent Jr., AJ Green, Gary Harris, Andre Jackson Jr. (not guaranteed)
Small forward: Taurean Prince, Chris Livingston, Amir Coffey (camp deal)
Power forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyle Kuzma, Tyler Smith, Pete Nance (two-way)
Center: Myles Turner, Bobby Portis, Jericho Sims
Of the major positions, small forward is without question the weakest point. Taurean Prince has been a quality regular season player throughout his entire career, but his playoff stats tell a different story. Chris Livingston has shown glimpses in the G League, but it's unlikely he's ready for a prominent role. Coffey isn't even on the standard roster - yet - but he's not a clear-cut answer, either.
The Milwaukee Bucks will certainly be monitoring how Prince, Livingston, and Coffey all play during training camp to get a grasp on the small forward rotation. If Coffey is outperforming those two, his odds of earning a place on the standard roster become all the more likely. It's nice to have options, and the Milwaukee Bucks have that after this move.
Elsewhere, every other position has players who can do different things. Porter is a score-first guard who can create shots. Rollins can also put the ball in the hoop but is a strong defender. Anthony is the lone true point guard of the bunch. Trent, Green, and Harris are versatile guards who can shoot triples and play quality defense consistently.
At power forward and center, the Milwaukee Bucks might be their most versatile. Of course, Giannis can do everything. Myles Turner can be a jack of all trades on both ends. Bobby Portis can be a real scoring threat and energizer off the bench. Jericho Sims has defensive sparkplug written all over him. Kyle Kuzma can go many directions, but he's there. Even Tyler Smith has some potential.
The Milwaukee Buck will lean on Giannis Antetokounmpo heavily next season, but the depth around him should help make sure he's not a one-man show. That is the hope at least.
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