Three Key Roster Upgrades for the Milwaukee Bucks This Offseason
The Milwaukee Bucks have likely completed their roster for the upcoming season, barring any unexpected trades. After facing heavy criticism for their roster construction last year, largely due to the timing of the Damian Lillard trade, general manager Jon Horst focused on retooling the team. On paper, the current 18-man roster looks much better than last year’s.
Here’s a breakdown of three notable upgrades the Bucks made this offseason:
Taurean Prince Replaces Jae Crowder
Milwaukee’s 2023 trade for Jae Crowder didn’t quite pan out as hoped. Crowder was expected to be the versatile 3-and-D forward the team needed, but his performance fell short. In the playoffs, where his contribution was most needed, he only appeared in eight games over two seasons, averaging just 10.4 minutes per game with disappointing stats.
This offseason, the Bucks brought in Taurean Prince on a minimum deal to fill Crowder’s role. Both players are 6-foot-6 forwards known for their shooting and defense, but Prince, nearly four years younger, is currently the more effective player. Over the past two seasons, Prince has averaged nine points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting better from the floor and from three-point range than Crowder. If Prince can deliver the impact the Bucks initially expected from Crowder, his value to the team will be significant.
Gary Trent Jr. Replaces Malik Beasley
Last season, Malik Beasley struggled to find his role on the Bucks after the Damian Lillard trade, which thrust him into a defensive role he wasn’t accustomed to. Despite the added defensive burden, Beasley managed to put up solid numbers, starting in 77 of 79 regular season games and averaging 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
However, many would agree that newcomer Gary Trent Jr. is a stronger addition. Even in a less productive season with the Toronto Raptors, Trent averaged 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Trent is a more dynamic scorer than Beasley and a more active defender. His ability to generate steals and create plays on the other end makes him a valuable asset for the Bucks, and he could potentially have his best shooting season yet.
Delon Wright Replaces Patrick Beverley
Patrick Beverley performed well for the Bucks after joining the team at the trade deadline last season, even earning a spot in the starting lineup by the playoffs. However, the Bucks opted to sign Delon Wright early in free agency as a replacement for Beverley.
Although Beverley has had a more distinguished career, his age (36) raised concerns about how much he could still contribute, especially to a roster in need of youth. Wright, at 32, offers a younger alternative with plenty of good basketball left in him. He also brings more versatility, standing at 6-foot-5 compared to Beverley’s 6-foot-2, allowing him to better handle matchups against bigger opponents.
Statistically, Beverley had the edge last season, but Wright, who played fewer minutes, can make an impact without filling up the stat sheet, particularly on defense. After years of relying on undersized backup point guards, Wright could provide a refreshing change for the Bucks.
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