The Bucks’ most impactful trade deadline addition may not be Kyle Kuzma…
Kevin Porter Jr. has emerged as a crucial piece for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Fans were initially disheartened when the team traded longtime franchise cornerstone Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards, expressing their frustration on Reddit. However, winning has a way of easing the sting, and Milwaukee’s revamped roster has quickly found its rhythm. Surprisingly, their success isn’t solely due to the return package for Middleton.
Since the All-Star break, the Bucks have been dominant, winning their first three games of the season’s stretch run. While their trade deadline acquisitions have made an impact, it’s Porter—rather than Kuzma—who has stood out.
Porter seamlessly adjusted after being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for third-year wing MarJon Beauchamp. His presence was instrumental in Milwaukee’s thrilling fourth-quarter comeback victory over the Miami Heat.
### Kevin Porter Jr. vs. Miami Heat:
– 11 points
– 3 rebounds
– 2 assists
– 2 steals
– +8 plus/minus in 14 minutes
He contributed to 12 of Milwaukee’s 35 fourth-quarter points, including a personal 7-0 run that energized the team when they trailed most of the game. His ability to take over in crucial moments was also evident in the previous matchup against Washington.
Meanwhile, Kuzma has been valuable on defense, but his struggles with turnovers and inefficient shooting have carried over from Washington. On the other hand, Porter has provided a much-needed spark off the bench, especially with sixth man Bobby Portis serving a 25-game suspension.
Excluding his limited minutes in his debut, Porter has scored in double figures in four straight games. Beyond his scoring, he’s also creating opportunities for teammates, filling an important playmaking role.
Additionally, Porter has shown his defensive prowess, posting an impressive 103.4 defensive rating in his short stint with Milwaukee—good enough to rank second in the league over a full season. His two-way contributions have been crucial, and with his strong start, he could see an even bigger role moving forward.
