6 Takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks Trading for Damian Lillard

Wing Stopper

The Bucks’ biggest concern, other than the backup point guard issue, lacks a straightforward solution. It revolves around Milwaukee’s clear lack of an elite perimeter defender, notably with their best one traded away and Wesley Matthews departing in free agency. The pressing question is: who will guard the opposing team’s primary wing scorer?

Jae Crowder is the immediate option, having taken on this role recently in the 2021-22 season. The Bucks’ decision to retain him suggests their confidence in his ability to regain his form and fulfill this crucial role. He’s expected to receive ample opportunities to reassume this pivotal task.

Regarding the remaining options on the Bucks’ roster, the choices are limited. Middleton’s days as a wing-stopper are largely over, Pat Connaughton is a versatile defender but not a lockdown specialist, and MarJon Beauchamp, though promising, is relatively untested at this point. Unlike the point guard position, where there’s room for maneuvering in the free-agent market, the wing defender challenge lacks an immediate, off-the-shelf remedy. This leaves Milwaukee contemplating the possibility of Crowder or potentially exploring the trade market for a viable solution.