Milwaukee Bucks: Bold Predictions for the Bench Unit

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 20: Wes Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic has his shot blocked by Pat Connaughton #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks as he tries to score during the first half of an NBA basketball first round playoff game on August 20, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Ashley Landis – Pool/Getty Images) /

Pat Connaughton

Pat Connaughton has not and likely will not be a star player in this league, but he can and needs to be a solid contributor for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2020-2021 NBA season to make a run at a championship.

To me, that means that Connaughton needs to shoot better this year than he has since he came to Milwaukee. In Portland, he shot 36.4 percent from three-point range, while in Milwaukee, he has been at 33.1 percent. He has attempted more three-point shots in Milwaukee, but if he can become a more consistent shooter, he will help this team tremendously into the playoffs. If he is shooting the ball with more consistency, then he will be on the court more because he does so many of the little things that mean a lot to this team.

Prediction: Pat Connaughton will become the everyday starter before the postseason because he shoots 38.5 percent from three-point range on over three attempts per game.

D.J. Augustin

D.J. Augustin seems to be the replacement for George Hill, who was apart of the Jrue Holiday trade. Augustin is not quite the same level of player as Hill but seems to be a good fit and one that can be beneficial for the 2020-2021 Milwaukee Bucks.

The Bucks have a lot of offensive talent on the roster, and Augustin brings some more to the table, but after watching some brief preseason action, I think he will be important in distributing the ball to all the scorers on the court. He will be a true backup point guard that will run the second unit’s offense to perfection and take on some scoring responsibilities when needed. Augustin is a career 37.9 percent three-point shooter, so he still fits the ‘let it fly’ mantra.

Prediction: D.J. Augustin will lead the league in assists per game with 10.5 despite only 25 minutes per game and only ever having two seasons above 6.0 assists per game.

Bryn Forbes

I saved Bryn Forbes for last because, in my opinion, he is the most exciting bench player the Milwaukee Bucks have. He is the true sharpshooter of the bench unit outside of the two rookies.

Forbes has been around a 40 percent three-point shooter the last two seasons while taking 5 and 6 threes per game the last two years respectively. That volume is a big increase while still being very effective with his shots. On a team with Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, he could become even more impactful.

Kyle Korver was a player that I was excited about last year, but he did not live up to those expectations. Forbes, I expect to be better strictly because he is still a young player, and he will likely continue to grow as he is just 27 years old. Forbes can potentially create a ton more space in the paint for Antetokounmpo, which would make one of the best players in the league even more potent.

Next. Bold Predictions for Bucks Starting 5. dark

Prediction: Bryn Forbes will lead the NBA in three-point percentage (47.2 percent) while averaging the most points of his young career (15.7).

All stats courtesy of Basketball Reference

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