© Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Report gives the Milwaukee Bucks’ offseason moves a grade of A-
The Milwaukee Bucks already have two superstars, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, both of whom can carry the squad on a deep run in the postseason. However, in the NBA, a team with title aspirations must also need balance, depth, and stability throughout their roster.
The Bucks front office addressed those areas of need this offseason, signing veterans Malik Beasley, Cam Payne, and Robin Lopez. Bleacher Report has deemed these signings worthy of an A- grade.
Improved spacing
The Bucks knew the kind of player they were getting when they signed Beasley: a lights-out shooter who pays little to no mind on defense. So far, the seven-year pro has delivered on both accounts, swishing 46 percent of his three-point attempts and making three trifectas per game. Of course, Malik's partnership with Lillard in the backcourt also means a massive drop-off in the Bucks' defense, as the team ranks 21st in defensive rating.
"Malik Beasley is part of the reason why the Milwaukee Bucks haven't met last year's standard defensively, but his well-known deficiencies on that end come with established offensive strengths," Grant Hughes wrote.
"Though his volume is down (8.0 three-point attempts per 36 minutes is his lowest since 2018-19), Beasley deserves credit for being less trigger-happy than usual. Playing alongside Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez, he should operate as a fifth option."
Solid reserve
Credit must also be given to the Bucks for signing Payne, a backup point guard who has thrived in just 17 minutes of playing time per game. Even though he's averaging just 6.8 points per game, the lefty guard is shooting a career-high 50 percent from the field and is making 46 percent of his triples.
"Cameron Payne is also shooting the cover off the ball and is among the more effective offensive reserves in the league. You have to take it with a grain of salt because Payne's minutes tend to come against backups, but the Bucks actually average more points per possession with him on the floor than Lillard," Hughes added.
