Milwaukee Bucks: 2015 Projected Starting Lineup

Photo Credit: David Liam Kyle – Getty Images

Milwaukee is fresh off an unexpected 41-41 season and a surprising sixth place finish in the Eastern Conference. According to ESPN’s Hollinger Advanced Efficiency Statistics, Milwaukee was the second best team in team defensive efficiency behind the NBA Champion Warriors, which is saying something for a young team. At an average age of 23.2, getting a young team to play great team defense is very promising; now the organization is banking on these young players to develop confidently in their offensive games.  Expect this team to make noise again in the 4-6 seed range in the East. If 2014 second overall pick Jabari Parker doesn’t tear his acl in his left knee in Mid-December the Bucks may have been even better than they were – Milwaukee is definitely a team to watch this upcoming season:

Point Guard – Michael Carter-Williams: A piece of a three team mid-season trade that arguably sent Milwaukee’s best player in Brandon Knight to the Suns, Carter-Williams will have a full season under legendary point guard Jason Kidd.  Carter-Williams gives length and versatility to the team, which seems  to be what Milwaukee is looking for in the way they are building their team. The 2013-14 Rookie of the Year  may not ever become a star, but playing under a point guard who had a rough start to his career offensively as well, Kidd can give 23-year-old some guidance.

Shooting Guard – Khris Middleton: Khris Middleton will be entering his first season under his new five-year $70 million contract and will be expected to be the glue in this starting lineup.  Middleton is a benefactor from the ‘Draymond Green Effect’, where players who can do a little bit everything are incredibly valued in this current NBA and Middleton is looking like a prototypical guy to fit that role for Milwaukee.  In just three years Middleton is already a career 40 percent three-point shooter and at 6’7″, he can also guard multiple positions.  Middleton is not afraid to take big shots, but is a smart enough player to not just jack a bunch of low quality looks.

Small Forward – Giannis Antetokounmpo: The wild card for this team is The Greek Freak. One game he looks like a potential All-Star and the next he can be a mess; but he brings a lot to the team. Giannis is 6’10” with similar frame to Kevin Durant and can put the ball on the floor which makes his best position at small forward.  Freak athleticism makes him a problem on both sides of the ball.  He’s only 20-years-old and if he keeps working hard, he will definitely improve on his 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game; that’s all without a reliable long-range shot as well.

Power Forward – Jabari Parker (if healthy), if not John Henson: The former second overall pick Jabari Parker may not be ready as he currently has no timetable, but he will be the starting power forward whenever he’s active as the team desperately needs his scoring ability. Parker may be the only player on this young roster that can create his own shot consistently, and that’s with only 25 games under his belt.  Parker shot a respectable 49 percent and averaged 12 points per game.  If Parker can’t go then plug in John Henson, the smart and lengthy big man, who has a good pick-and-roll game and will add rim protection (two blocks per game).

Center – Greg Monroe: The new addition to the team, Greg Monroe joins the second team of his career after leaving the Pistons where he spent the past five seasons putting up strong numbers.  Detroit didn’t really have Monroe in their plans due to Andre Drummond, so in this case Milwaukee gets a bargain.  Monroe boast averages of 14.3 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game as well as shooting 50 percent from the field.  He fits Milwaukee well as he is a traditional post up big, which Milwaukee has been lacking for quite some time. Whenever the Bucks aren’t running and the game slows down, they can expect Monroe to give them around 15 a game and draw a couple fouls.  Monroe signed a three-year, $50 million max contract with Milwaukee where Monroe finally gets the contract he thinks he deserves. Hopefully Monroe is motivated with the new contract and change of scenery.