Welcome to Volume IV of our “Choose Your Own Adventure” starter series, where we explore the Milwaukee Bucks’ options at each position. Read along, make your choice, and share your pick in the comments—if you dare!
Unlike the shooting guard position, the Bucks are pretty bare at power forward. So bare, in fact, that they’ll likely have to enlist help from the centre department (come on over, Mr. Ware). With that said, what this group lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Kyle Kuzma—however
long he remains on the team—is something of the elder statesman who can play a key role, both on the court and off it. Then you have Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel’el Ware, the (relatively) experienced campaigners who still have upside to grow. And finally, there is Nate Ament, who doesn’t figure to play into things too much this year but is someone fans will be tracking closely as a core piece of the next great Bucks team.
Go on to OPTION 1.
1. The young fundamental: Jaime Jaquez Jr.
For a variety of reasons, Jaquez seems a likely option to start at either the three or the four; he’s certainly able to play both positions with his size and versatility. Look, at the end of the day, Jaquez is young and in the final year of his rookie deal, which means the Bucks will want to see what he’s got before potentially signing him to a long-term deal next summer; he could also be traded during the season or sign-and-traded in the offseason. Either way, he’ll be playing a whole lot. Jaquez knows how to hoop, and I suspect he’ll provide a calming presence to a team that will inevitably look like a rabble at times this season. His versatility allows him to play out of pick-and-roll and also out of isolation—as he proved playing in the Heat’s “wheel offence.” That said, the 25-year-old will have to prove he can punish teams from deep, an area where he has struggled across his first three years (31.7%). If Jaquez can do that, he suddenly becomes a very valuable player.
If you want a no-nonsense operator, choose Jaquez. If not, turn to OPTION 2.
2. The odd man out: Kyle Kuzma
I see Kuzma more as a four than a three, but like Jaquez, he can toggle both positions. Honestly, I’m not sure what role coach Jenkins envisions for Kuz this season. Even though the 31-year-old might actually be one of the Bucks’ better players in a nutshell, I can’t see the team prioritising him when, respectfully, they’re just waiting for his contract to expire (or to deal him for bad money and picks at the deadline). I will say that Kuz’s attitude was great last season and that whatever role he’s in, I’m confident he won’t rock the boat. That said, if you view winning as the one and only goal this season, Kuz might actually be a good option to start… but how much do you weigh that against wanting to get minutes into younger players? I mean, the Bucks don’t own any first-round pick in the upcoming draft, which does add to the case that winning should trump all.
If your friends are a tad too young for your taste, choose Kuzma. If not, turn to OPTION 3.
3. The could-be-anything: Nate Ament
Even as someone higher on Ament, him starting at PF is obviously a long shot. While Ament has the height and skill set to play the four, he definitely doesn’t have the weight at this point in his career. That said, because the team has very few players at this position, it’s not inconceivable that he finds himself playing real PF minutes if either of the two men above gets injured. You could also make the case that if the Bucks are really prioritising the future, they should throw the rookies into the deep end and either start both Burries and Ament, or give them major minutes. Now, I don’t think that will happen, and I don’t think it’s a good idea, but it’s not implausible. If you think Jenkins should do that, choose Ament.
If you’re seeking out a long-term project, choose Ament. If not, turn to OPTION 4.
4. The blue-chip hopeful: Kel’el Ware
This is where the intrigue is: does Taylor Jenkins start a double-big lineup with Ware at the four and Turner at the five? I’d imagine he’ll play around with this look in the preseason a whole bunch, but will both start on opening night? I am fascinated. Ware has proven he can play the four from his time in Miami playing next to Bam Adebayo (and actually, he might not even be strong enough to be a full-time centre anyway). Regardless, Ware’s shooting ability allows him to stretch the floor and let a traditional five roll to the rim, but when you pair him with Myles Turner—also a shooting big—either player can roll while the other camps out on the three-point line. I can’t recall many instances in which teams have been able to throw that look out there. We already know from a previous Reacts poll that many fans are all-in on the double-big lineup, so if you still feel that way, Ware is your guy.
If you need someone who passes the eye test, choose Ware.
QUICK! Make a decision, you’re near the end. Wing, rookie, cast-off, or five, who are you going to choose? If none of these tickle your fancy, pull a rabbit out of your hat and tell us who it is in the comments.
THE END
