Well, a new Bucks season is officially upon us. From multi-year veterans to a pair of family bonds, the Bucks are bringing a quartet of new faces to the fold this season. So, a question should be asked: which player is going to have the biggest role and bring the most to the team? That will be answered in due time, but nothing says us fans can’t give it a try, right? So, let’s do just that.
Biggest Role: Wesley Matthews
A man known as “Iron Man” due to his toughness on the court and a willingness to do whatever he needs to do for his team, Wesley Matthews is a Milwaukee man at heart. Coming into his 11th NBA season and joining his sixth team in the process, Matthews not only went to James Madison Memorial High School in Madison, but also got his college education at Marquette, where he played on the very ground that the Bucks call home now, playing at the F.K.A. BMO Harris Bradley Center.
A versatile and reliable wing player, as his career 42/38/82 shooting line will showcase, Matthews was brought in on a $2.5 million deal, after which it is up to him whether he wants to call Milwaukee home for another year. When it comes to his role in Milwaukee this season, expect Matthews to take on a role similar to Malcolm Brogdon, with him taking up the starting two guard role and tasked with playing a similar two-way style in Mike Budenholzer’s system.
The Big Man: Robin Lopez
Despite what his brother Brook may tell you, Robin Lopez certainly brings a lot to the table that should get Bucks fans excited, particularly in the role that he will likely play in Milwaukee. A more rebounding and defensive-centric player compared to his more offensively-focused brother, Lopez could bring some much-needed power in the post to a frontcourt bench unit that was frankly lacking a powerful presence with centers such as Thon Maker down low. However, Lopez also appears to be confident in shooting the triple, so could that part of his game also be expanded in Milwaukee? Perhaps Brook could rub off on him a little bit in that regard (if Robin allows him to that is).
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The Old Guard: Kyle Korver
Seen as a major coup for Milwaukee at the time of his signing, the factors that led to Kyle Korver making his way to the Cream City seemed fairly elementary. Not only are the Bucks one of the league’s top contenders heading into this season, but they just happen to also be coached by the man who perhaps was best for Korver’s career, as Mike Budenholzer coached Korver previously in Atlanta, where Korver made his lone All-Star appearance.
While he may not be that player at this point in his career at age 38, Korver has certainly been around the block and then some, and that kind of experience can only help Milwaukee coming into this season. The things being said about Korver by those in the organization are certainly promising at this point, and he will easily transition from a strategy standpoint having played in Bud’s system before as previously mentioned.
However, his biggest role with the Bucks may just come outside of game nights, with videos of him and reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo practicing in the gym circulating a number of weeks ago, and reports out of the public scrimmage of the Greek Freak having a better looking jumpshot coming into this season. If Korver can transfer some of his shooting prowess over to Giannis, the Bucks are going to be even scarier for the Eastern Conference and the entire NBA.
An Injection of Brotherly Love: Thanasis Antetokounmpo
When Giannis won the MVP award, his speech focused a lot on family, as he and his brothers grew up in Greece with very little, doing what they could both individually and together to make the best life they could for their family. One of those brothers, Thanasis, has now made his way to Milwaukee, but it is fairly unclear as to what role he will fit into with his new situation. Logic would likely dictate that due to his adventures back and forth between the big time and the G-League that he will likely be at the end of the bench, but he has shown promise at times through his short time in the league and could certainly find his way into some games if the Bucks have said contests firmly in control. Regardless, his presence could certainly improve team morale by being in the same locker room as his brother.
While some roles may change all over the roster throughout the year, those of the new guys in town may just be the most looked at and discussed. With that being said, let the speculation station be plenty busy and have fun visiting it, because basketball season is upon us!
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