Report points out the Milwaukee Bucks’ glaring need: a backcourt defender

The Bucks' need for a perimeter defender can’t be emphasized any further.

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For all the benefits that acquiring seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard brings, his arrival was not without consequences. The price the Milwaukee Bucks paid to bring Lillard to Wisconsin involved defensive ace and two-way terror Jrue Holiday – a loss that the Bucks’ backcourt defense is significantly feeling right now.

That said, in a Bleacher Report article that delved into what moves every team should do if the trade deadline was today, Greg Swartz pointed out Milwaukee’s need for a capable defender on the perimeter.

No-brainer need

Every NBA general manager would jump at the chance to trade for Lillard—a member of the league’s 75th Anniversary Team who has made a name for himself as one of the most outstanding offensive players in recent memory. But his presence on the Bucks has come with a trade-off: defense. Lillard has never been known for his ability to thwart opponents on that end of the floor. That’s why it makes sense for Milwaukee to pursue a solid defender as soon as possible.

“Without a point-of-attack defender to slow down opposing ball-handlers, Milwaukee has tumbled from No. 4 defensively a season ago (110.9 rating) to No. 23 now (114.6 rating). Both Lillard and Malik Beasley can fire up points in bunches, but neither is stopping anyone else outside the arc,” Swartz wrote.

Alex Caruso could be the answer

All eyes are on the Chicago Bulls as rumors are growing by the day of their possible interest in a rebuild. With the team stumbling to a 5-9 start this season, it may not be long before the Bulls make some of their players available. One of those players could be Alex Caruso.

Caruso’s defensive skillset could be exactly what Milwaukee needs right now. A smart and dogged defender who can take on either guards or big men, Alex could provide the Bucks with a great defensive presence on the perimeter. 

His long wingspan and active hands make him an ideal fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez. However, it remains to be seen if the Bucks have enough assets to entice the Bulls’ front office to come to the table.

“This is an ideal Alex Caruso landing spot, although Milwaukee may not have enough trade assets left to land him,” Swartz added.

A wild trade proposal lands the Milwaukee Bucks Alex Caruso