Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Bucks fans and fans across the country.
With the first week of NBA action in the books, we can start digging into what’s happening on-court for the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite putting themselves in position to win their opening two games against the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls, the Bucks came up short. Since then, they’ve admirably challenged the Philadelphia 76ers and beatenthe
Indiana Pacers. But to focus solely on outcomes is reactive (and reductive). How, then, do you feel about the Bucks’ processes? More specifically, how do you feel about Taylor Jenkins’ rotations?
Starting lineup
Jenkins has leaned on veteran experience in his starting lineup, running with Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Tyler Herro, and Ryan Rollins to begin each game so far. Combined, this lineup has 34 years of NBA experience to help it battle other teams’ best units. But it’s not just experience that matters here. Relative to the rest of the roster, these guys are all at, approaching, or just past their playing primes.
Regular reserves
So far, Jenkins has gone with a ten-man rotation. Somewhat surprisingly, Kasparas Jakučionis has become the team’s sixth man—and he’s revelling in it, playing the best basketball of his young career and looking like the Bucks’ best floor general (or at least its most natural). After him, Jenkins has turned to a forward—Ousmane Dieng in the first two games, Nate Ament in the next two—before rounding out the rotation with Kel’el Ware, Brayden Burries, and AJ Green. Combined, these players have just 11 years of NBA experience. And, honestly, that these guys have played over Gary Trent Jr. and Caris LeVert is at least somewhat surprising, especially after what we saw during the preseason.
Collecting DNPs
That leaves the DNPs, one of the few stats players don’t want to lead their team in. Up to this point, as far as players on the 15-man roster go, Gary Trent Jr., Caris LeVert, Bogoljub Marković, and Jericho Sims (for all intents and purposes) are “leading” the charge. Notably, there are distinct divisions here: players past their prime (LeVert), players theoretically in their prime but who aren’t really needle-movers (Trent, Sims), and youthful projects (Marković). Outside of these guys, the three two-way players—Pete Nance, Cormac Ryan, and Kam Jones—have, understandably, also yet to see any action.
Having recapped the rotation, are you happy with Jenkins’ decisions? Let us know your thoughts by voting below—and don’t forget to explain your reasons in the comments.
