MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – March 24: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball during … (+)
The Milwaukee Bucks are still looking for a right winger to complement Khris Middleton and improve their chances against the top Eastern Conference opponents.
Even with some new additions on the wings, many of the pressing questions surrounding this position remain unanswered at the end of the season.
Now that we’ve covered point guards and combo guards, it’s time to turn our focus to the Bucks’ wing players and evaluate how they’re performing following offseason transfers.
Depth chart at the end of the 2023-24 season:
- Middleton
- Connaughton
- Crowder
- Jackson Jr.
- Beauchamp
- Livingston
Departures:
Jae Crowder: Jae Crowder’s era in Milwaukee can only be described as disappointing. Despite playing under three different coaches during his season and a half with the team, Crowder never quite became the elite defensive player the Bucks hoped he would be when they traded away nearly every second-round pick in their arsenal to acquire him. The potential was there, but the fit never materialized as hoped.
New additions:
Tauren Prince: Prince was a smart free agent, signed on a veteran minimum deal to fill the void on defense that Jae Crowder couldn’t quite fill. It will be interesting to see where Doc Rivers uses Prince — whether in a traditional small forward role or perhaps moving him up or down a position depending on the lineup and matchup needs. His versatility on defense could be a key advantage as the Bucks look to solidify their wing rotation.
Stanley Umude (two-sided): Expectations for Umude at the NBA level should be tempered, as he will likely spend his time in the G-League. He’s a lottery ticket on the wing with the potential to develop over time, but probably not someone who will make a major impact this season.
Maintain:
Chris Middleton: The Bucks’ season will largely depend on Middleton and the health of their three big players. He delivered again in the postseason, but offseason surgeries on both ankles raise questions about how much he has left in the tank. Middleton’s ability to stay healthy and play at a high level will be critical to Milwaukee’s success.
Pat Connaughton: Connaughton was a key contributor during the Bucks’ 2021 championship run, but it might be time for Milwaukee to move on. He has lost speed and his explosiveness has waned in recent years. Connaughton no longer has the impact the Bucks need on both ends of the court, making his future with the team uncertain.
Andre Jackson Jr.: Jackson Jr.’s role under Doc Rivers will be one to watch. Jackson Jr. was drafted because he fits former head coach Adrian Griffin’s scheme. He offers versatility and can do a little bit of everything. It remains to be seen how Rivers will use him, but Jackson Jr. could still find ways to contribute positively.
MarJon Beauchamp: This season could be Beauchamp’s last chance to prove he belongs in Milwaukee’s rotation – and maybe even in the NBA. He has failed to live up to expectations since being drafted in the first round and had a disappointing performance in Summer League. Beauchamp is under pressure to step up.
Chris Livingston: Unlike Beauchamp, Livingston shined in the Summer League, playing his role perfectly and showing a wide range of skills. However, expectations should be tempered; Livingston will likely need at least another year before he can make a significant impact at the NBA level.
New depth chart:
- Middleton
- prince
- Connaughton
- Jackson Jr.
- Beauchamp
- Livingston
- Umude (two-sided)
Overview:
The Bucks have assembled an interesting mix of experienced veterans at the top of their roster and younger, unproven talent further down.
Milwaukee will rely heavily on Middleton and Prince at the wing positions and hope that the two veterans have at least another year of good performance left in them – relatively speaking. Their experience and skill will be crucial as the Bucks face a challenging season.
Connaughton, on the other hand, has struggled over the past two seasons, and it might be time to move Jackson Jr. ahead of him in the rankings. Jackson Jr. has already shown he can make those small, game-winning plays that can make the difference in close games. However, given Doc Rivers’ history of favoring veterans, it’s uncertain whether Jackson Jr. will be preferred over Connaughton.
As for Beauchamp and Livingston, the outlook is more uncertain. Beauchamp had a poor showing in Summer League, while Livingston impressed with his play. Still, there probably isn’t enough room in the rotation for more than Middleton, Prince, and a few minutes for others. The younger players may have to wait their turn or make the most of limited opportunities.
