As media day approaches in Milwaukee on September 30, the Bucks are just 10 days away from kicking off the 2024-25 season.
In his inaugural full season as the head coach of the Bucks, Doc Rivers aims to steer the team back into championship contention following first-round exits in the past two playoffs. A crucial part of Rivers’ job will involve crafting a rotation that incorporates various lineups, giving the team distinct looks against opponents while maximizing the talents of his top players.
While we anticipate the unveiling of these lineups during the preseason, here are five innovative bench units that could aid the Bucks throughout the regular season and, in certain instances, set them up for the postseason.
Lineup No. 1: Small-ball unit
Players: Delon Wright, Gary Trent Jr., Khris Middleton, Taurean Prince, Giannis Antetokounmpo
It isn’t surprising that this is the first lineup that piques my interest as we approach the season.
The Bucks will not utilize Antetokounmpo as a full-time center; this would be too taxing on his body and inefficient in terms of resource allocation over an 82-game schedule. However, small-ball configurations featuring Antetokounmpo at center are worth considering during the regular season to ensure that they can be effective in the playoffs.
As mentioned in our initial September mailbag, the Los Angeles Lakers enjoyed success with their small-ball lineups featuring Prince and Anthony Davis last season. The Bucks would do well to attempt to replicate that success this season by employing Prince as the power forward alongside Antetokounmpo at center. While Antetokounmpo and Davis are not identical players, their similarities could allow the Bucks to achieve comparable results with this small-ball setup.
This lineup includes defenders who are all competent, possessing the size, length, and athleticism necessary to switch across different positions and disrupt opposing offenses. Offensively, there are capable shooters to create space for Antetokounmpo, complemented by Middleton, who can create plays when the offense stalls.
Once again, although this unit shouldn’t be used extensively, it serves as a promising starting point as the Bucks work on maximizing small-ball strategies this season.
Lineup No. 2: Dunker spot Giannis
Players: Damian Lillard, Wright, Middleton, Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez
This may be an opportunity for me to discuss an engaging offensive concept, but it makes the lineup worth considering.
The lineup might not seem particularly thrilling as I’ve only substituted Wright for Trent, yet the pairing of Lillard and Wright captures my interest because, as Jon Horst mentioned to The Athletic in July, Wright was one of the Bucks’ primary targets during the offseason, indicating that the team believes Lillard and Wright can effectively share the court.
When observing pick-and-roll plays featuring Lillard and Antetokounmpo, I found myself contemplating how the Bucks could set up alley-oop finishes for Antetokounmpo with Lillard directing the play. Given the swift nature of Lillard’s offensive approach, it didn’t appear feasible to do this with Antetokounmpo as the screener in a pick-and-roll scenario. Hence, I shifted my focus to Lillard’s pick-and-roll
Positioning Antetokounmpo in the dunker spot may seem counterintuitive as it might enhance the weak-side defender’s help position, but it’s crucial to remember that Antetokounmpo is capable of executing a quick alley-oop dunk. Take, for instance, this broken play from the Bucks’ matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on March 28:
Consider the tough choice faced by Larry Nance Jr. Additionally, observe how Lopez and Antetokounmpo capitalized on an unexpected situation. Lopez’s slow roll toward the basket and his jump stop allowed him to manage his footwork effectively, avoiding a travel violation when he passed to Antetokounmpo, leaving Nance in a vulnerable position between two towering 7-footers.
Rather than relying solely on placing Antetokounmpo in the dunker position, the Bucks could explore the potential benefits of initiating pick-and-roll plays between Lillard and Lopez, with Antetokounmpo poised for lobs in the dunker spot during the closing minutes of the first quarter or the opening of the second.
Lineup No. 3: Mobile long-range duo
Players: Lillard, Trent, AJ Green, Antetokounmpo, Lopez
Unlike some other young players on the roster, Green, a second-year shooting guard, experienced an expanded role after Rivers took charge midway through the last season. Under former head coach Adrian Griffin, Green averaged just 7.5 minutes in 28 of the Bucks’ first 43 games. However, once Rivers assumed his role as head coach, Green’s average rose to 14.5 minutes per game, appearing in 28 of the final 36 games. If Rivers continues to have faith in Green, the 6-foot-4 guard may secure one of the last ten spots in Rivers’ nightly rotation. In that case, the Bucks should fully utilize his potential.
Trent has demonstrated his ability to be a dangerous movement shooter in previous stints. Why not include him in a lineup alongside Green to maximize the effectiveness of two skilled shooters? The contemporary NBA thrives on dribble handoffs and ghost screens, so it would make sense for these talented shooters to navigate screens to receive passes.
Alternatively, consider placing those shooters in positions to set screens for Antetokounmpo in inverted pick-and-roll scenarios.
In the previous season, Rivers encouraged Green to implement both strategies. Trent and Green are likely to thrive in either setup, and Wright’s size could also position him as an effective screener for Antetokounmpo. While these won’t become foundational plays for the Bucks’ offense, they serve as strategic adjustments that the team can employ during games with the right lineup.
On the defensive end, pairing Antetokounmpo and Lopez should help fortify the rim protection, while the trio of guards can manage defensive responsibilities on the wing, even without a traditional large wing player in the mix.
Lineup No. 4: No Lopez lineup
Players: Wright, Trent, Prince, Antetokounmpo, Portis
The reality of having just three big men on the roster means that the Bucks will rely heavily on the combination of Antetokounmpo and Portis. Last season, they shared the court for 1,018 minutes, marking the highest total since they logged 1,109 minutes together during the 2021-22 season when Lopez was sidelined for a significant period due to a back injury. Although Antetokounmpo and Portis have played alongside each other frequently over the past four seasons, they haven’t achieved as much success together in the last two seasons.
| NET RTG | OFF RTG | DEF RTG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 (541 min) | 9.5 | 118 | 108.5 |
| 2021-22 (1,109 min) | 12.5 | 121 | 108.5 |
| 2022-23 (628 min) | 0.5 | 119.6 | 119.1 |
| 2023-24 (1,018 min) | 0.1 | 122.1 | 122 |
The statistics indicate that lineups featuring Portis alongside Antetokounmpo have shown offensive sparks. Portis, being a skilled offensive player, excels in making shots from beyond the arc, especially when Antetokounmpo drives towards the basket.
The key to assembling more effective units, as observed during Portis’ initial two seasons, revolves around enhanced defense. These lineups tend to score efficiently, meaning that while the defense doesn’t need to be exceptional, it should at least approach average levels.
With Wright and Trent on board, this lineup can present above-average defensive capabilities, particularly at the point of attack. Prince stepping in as small forward adds some additional size that may benefit rebounding efforts. Furthermore, Antetokounmpo stands out as an above-average defender. Although the Bucks have struggled to establish effective pick-and-roll coverage for Portis over the last two seasons, discovering a workable strategy could transform this unit into a competent defensive group, enabling the Bucks to operate successfully without both Antetokounmpo and Lillard in the game.
Lineup No. 5: Let’s Get Creative
Players: Lillard, Green, Andre Jackson Jr., Portis, Lopez
This lineup closely resembles the third one mentioned but includes Jackson in the lineup. Despite Jackson shooting 37 percent from three-point range as a rookie, opposing teams often ignore him as a shooting threat, allowing defenders to sag off. Given that the remaining four players on the floor can shoot effectively, there’s an opportunity to exploit the space between Jackson and his defender to create open looks for teammates.
For example, in a game against the Houston Rockets last December, the Bucks utilized Jackson in a dribble handoff play, drawing significant attention from the Rockets towards Lillard, which allowed Jackson to penetrate to the rim and set up Lopez.
With both Lillard and Green playing alongside Jackson, the Bucks could utilize him as a facilitator in handoff situations, allowing the two players to maneuver around the screens he establishes.
During the playoffs, the Pacers attempted to mask Tyrese Haliburton against Jackson, which the Bucks capitalized on by creating a mismatch for Danilo Gallinari on the low block.
While generating opportunities for Gallinari may not be a regular strategy, that same screen-and-re-screen concept can be employed to facilitate advantageous matchups for either Portis or Lopez when opponents try to play off Jackson’s screens.
Ultimately, for this lineup to be feasible, Jackson will need to advance another step in his development this season. Nevertheless, even if this particular lineup isn’t ultimately adopted by the Bucks, exploring such strategies remains crucial as they move forward.
they aim to develop young depth players at the lower end of the roster.
(Photo of Giannis Antetokounmpo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
Exploring Unique Lineup Strategies for the Bucks: Five Approaches to Boost Depth and Versatility in the 2024-25 Season
1. Emphasizing Positionless Basketball
In the modern NBA, positionless basketball has emerged as a key strategy for success. The Milwaukee Bucks can enhance their depth and versatility by deploying lineup combinations that allow players to switch roles seamlessly. This approach not only creates mismatches but also increases the pace of play, which can catch opponents off guard.
- Benefits: Increased offensive fluidity, defensive adaptability.
- Practical Tips: Utilize players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez in various roles depending on matchups.
Case Study: The Golden State Warriors
Historically, the Warriors have utilized positionless basketball to great effect. By having versatile players like Draymond Green, they can switch effectively on defense while maintaining offensive potency.
2. Implementing Small Ball Lineups
Another effective strategy is the adoption of small ball lineups. By placing a premium on speed and shooting, the Bucks can stretch the floor and create driving lanes for their stars. This approach can particularly be useful during late-game situations or against teams that lack size.
Key Considerations for Small Ball Lineups
- Shooting Ability: Players must be capable long-range threats.
- Defensive Versatility: Smaller players need to be able to guard multiple positions.
Example of a Small Ball Lineup
| Player | Position | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Jrue Holiday | PG | Playmaking, Defense |
| Grayson Allen | SG | Shooting |
| Malik Beasley | SF | Shooting, Spacing |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | PF | Driving, Playmaking |
| Brook Lopez | C | Interior Defense, Stretching |
3. Utilizing Two-Peat Bench Units
Building effective bench units is crucial for maintaining performance throughout the season. By creating two distinct bench units that can serve different purposes, the Bucks can manage player fatigue and elevate overall team performance.
Bench Unit Types
- Defensive Stoppers: Focus on players with strong defensive skills to maintain leads.
- Spark Plug Offense: Players who can score quickly to generate momentum.
Benefits of Two-Peat Bench Units
- Improved player development.
- Enhanced team chemistry.
4. Strategic Matchup-Based Lineups
Another way to boost depth and versatility is through matchup-based lineups. The Bucks can analyze opponent tendencies and adjust their lineups accordingly, ensuring they have the right players on the floor to exploit weaknesses.
Implementing Matchup Analysis
- Use Analytics: Leverage advanced metrics to understand opponent weaknesses.
- Player Roles: Assign roles based on specific matchups to maximize efficiency.
Example of Adjusted Lineups
| Matchup | Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Against a Fast Team | Increase pace with small ball lineup. |
| Against a Strong Post Team | Utilize Lopez for rim protection. |
5. Fostering Player Development and Versatility
Investing in player development is vital for ensuring that backups can seamlessly fill in when starters rest or are injured. The Bucks should focus on creating a culture of growth that encourages players to expand their skill sets.
Key Development Areas
- Shooting Skills: Encourage all players to develop three-point shooting.
- Defensive Skills: Teach versatile defensive techniques to switch effectively.
First-Hand Experience
By fostering an environment where players are encouraged to learn from each other, the Bucks can benefit from shared knowledge and experiences, enhancing overall team performance.
Conclusion: The Path Forward for the Bucks
As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, the Milwaukee Bucks have an opportunity to utilize these five unique lineup strategies to enhance depth and versatility. By adopting positionless basketball, small ball lineups, versatile bench units, matchup-based adjustments, and a strong focus on player development, the Bucks can solidify themselves as a top contender.
This article provides valuable insights into unique lineup strategies that the Bucks can adopt in the upcoming season while effectively utilizing SEO best practices.
