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Milwaukee Bucks: Expect a monumental shift in their offensive approach

By Brian Sampson

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 13: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball over Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on December 13, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 13: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball over Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on December 13, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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The Milwaukee Bucks are taking a different approach than years past to the offensive end of the court and hope it pays big dividends.

New head coach Mike Budenholzer is bringing a diverse offensive approach to the Milwaukee Bucks then what they’ve had in years past.

Under old head coaches Jason Kidd and Joe Prunty, they established a corner offense. This was typically predicated on the same sets being run using a player on the wing, the elbow and the corner while the other two players basically took up space on the weak side.

While there was some decent action during these sets, it was easy for the defense to anticipate what was coming. The options were clear based on how the defense was playing the Bucks, allowing the defense to know what was coming ahead of time. This style of play also allowed the defense to get set in the halfcourt and keep the ball to one side of the floor.

Now, under Budenholzer, the offense will be a lot more spread out and utilize all five players. Budenholzer implores his team to move the ball quickly and quickly move without the ball. What we’ll see will be fast and furious ball swings and guys holding onto the ball a lot less than before.

Milwaukee will also utilize every inch of the floor, especially the three-point line. Budenholzer had taped boxes in the corners of the three-point line for practices in order to ensure his team was getting to the impact spots on the floor.

The increase in three-point attempts will be the most glaring difference in this year’s Bucks’ team. They’ve been slow to adjust to the changing NBA game and have often relied on mid-rangers to get the job done. Last season, Milwaukee ranked 25th in the league with only 24.7 three-point attempts per game.

A perfect example of the Bucks’ shift in philosophy is Khris Middleton. Middleton is known for his mid-range jumper given that it’s one of his best weapons. Last season, for example, Middleton scored 27.1 percent of his points from mid-range and 26.5 percent from behind the arc. Here’s what he has to say about the change in philosophy this year:

"I’m not going to just throw my mid-range away. That’s my strength right now. But instead of just taking one or two dribbles in, (I’ll) just go ahead and take that three. It’s been there in the past, I’ve always just taken one or two more dribbles inside… Most of the time that step-back three or catch-and-shoot three is going to be there. Just got to be confident and let it go."

This is a huge change in year’s past and one of the biggest reasons the Bucks were one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA last season. Budenholzer’s modern style of play should provide Milwaukee with the boost they need to make some real noise in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

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