If there’s one thing some Milwaukee Bucks fans would feel hard done by, it’s the lack of a bombastic offseason acquisition that would help the team compete with the best squads that are springing up in the Eastern Conference.
Due to teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks making big-time moves that instantly boosted their championship odds, it’s understandable to see how some may think that the Bucks didn’t do enough recruiting to provide Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard with the help they need to remain relevant in a conference that’s quickly getting cramped with competition.
However, it’s not like Jon Horst and the rest of the Bucks front office were just sitting on their thumbs waiting for a miracle deal to fall on their laps. They quietly acquired talented players who can best complement the strengths and weaknesses of their stars.
Gary Trent Jr. is one of the players who will be coming in with high expectations from fans. The 6’5″ sharpshooter will be providing some much-needed three-point shooting and defense for the Bucks that’s been missing since Jrue Holiday left the team.
While fans are generally excited with his arrival, one analyst has questions for his potential with the team in the coming season.
Analyst questions if Gary Trent Jr.’s on-ball defense can help or hinder the Milwaukee Bucks
Brew Hoops’ Jack Trehearne detailed that while Trent is a solid shooter, his on-ball defense may cause problems for a backcourt that is already struggling to contain some of the East’s best guards. He referred to a correspondence with Raptors HQ’s Chelsea Leite to address his defensive capabilities:
GTJ’s defence was up and down during his time with Toronto. It started off rocky, got a lot better, and then faded quite a bit. He tends to guard ball handlers and can switch decently well, but often loses energy on that end these days. I will say his on-ball defence has been the thing that often shines through and he can get deflections and steals pretty well.
While he’s one of the best pickpockets in the league last season with 1.1 SPG, it cannot be denied that his tendencies may become costly against players like Tyrese Haliburton, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown. If Doc Rivers can rein in his defense in a positive direction, it won’t be strange to see him starting alongside Dame for the MIlwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals.
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