Milwaukee Bucks offseason recap: New three-point threats in Brew City
With the bulk of NBA free agency in the books, Paste BN Sports explores how all of the offseason moves will alter each team as we look ahead to the 2016-17 season.
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Projected starting five: Milwaukee Bucks
(Statistics from 2015-16 season)
- Matthew Dellavedova (with Cleveland) - Points: 7.5, assists: 4.4, rebounds: 2.1, steals: 0.6, field goal percentage: 40.5%
- Khris Middleton - Points: 18.2, rebounds: 3.8, assists: 4.2, steals: 1.7, field goal percentage: 44.4%
- Giannis Antetokounmpo - Points: 16.9, rebounds: 7.7, assists: 4.3, steals: 1.2, field goal percentage: 50.6%
- Jabari Parker - Points: 14.1, rebounds: 5.2, assists: 1.7, blocks: 0.4, field goal percentage: 49.3%
- Greg Monroe - Points: 15.3, rebounds: 8.8, assists: 2.3, blocks: 0.8, field goal percentage: 52.2%
Added - Dellavedova, Miles Plumlee (re-signed), Steve Novak (re-signed), Jason Terry, Mirza Teletovic, Thon Maker, Malcolm Brogdon
Lost - Jerryd Bayless, Greivis Vasquez, Jared Cunningham, Johnny O'Bryant, Damien Inglis, O.J. Mayo (disqualified for two years)
Biggest acquisition - Teletovic
The 6-foot-9 stretch four will help spread the floor and give the Bucks — who finished last in the NBA in three-pointers made (5.4) and attempted (15.6) last year — a much-needed threat from the perimeter. Coming off a breakout year (12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds per game) with the Phoenix Suns, Teletovic broke the NBA record for total threes made by a bench player (181) and ranked first and third among qualified power forwards in three-pointers made per game (2.3) and three-point percentage (39.3%).
Biggest departure - Bayless
The veteran combo guard was Milwaukee's best three-point shooter last season, leading the team in makes (1.9 per game) and percentage (43.7%) in 52 games. But his loss hurts much less with the additions of Teletovic, Dellavedova (1.3 makes, 41.0%), Terry (1.3 makes, 35.6%) and Novak (0.7 makes, 44.5%).
X factor - Antetokounmpo
Standing at 6-foot-11, with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and the legitimate ability to play and defend all five positions, the Greek Freak is in a league of his own. His on-court development was on full display last season, as he averaged career highs in all major statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and field goal percentage) and thrived while manning the point guard duties in the final portion of the year. At just 21 years old, if he can continue to make similar strides as his career progresses, and nothing suggests that he won't, the future of the franchise will be in good shape.
Offseason grade - B+
Check out our other offseason recaps: Atlanta • Boston • Brooklyn • Charlotte • Chicago • Cleveland • Dallas • Denver • Detroit • Golden State • Houston• Indiana • L.A. Clippers • L.A. Lakers • Memphis • Miami
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