Report suggests the Milwaukee Bucks should target Marcus Smart to bolster backcourt defense

This bold trade proposal would turn things around for the Bucks' defense.

© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Although the Milwaukee Bucks’ defense has improved of late, it still remains an issue, given that the team gives up 118.1 points per game (24th in the NBA) and has a defensive rating of 115.9 (21st in the league). However, one trade might solve the Bucks’ defensive shortcomings.

Marcus Smart to the Bucks

There’s no denying it: losing Jrue Holiday (and, to a certain extent, Grayson Allen) has hurt the Bucks’ defensive ability in the backcourt. To make up for this, Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report has a bold proposal that would nab former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart from the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Bucks’ fall from grace in numerous defensive categories has been steep. Last season, the Bucks ranked 4th in defensive rating but have since dropped to the bottom 10 of the NBA. Plugging the rugged Smart into the starting lineup would go a long way toward elevating the Bucks’ defensive rating and chances of snagging another NBA title.

“Adding a proven point-of-attack defender like Smart—who can switch onto bigger forwards as well—would help bring the Bucks back toward the top of the standings,” Swartz wrote.

Extremely potent quintet

It remains to be seen if such a scenario is even available, given how Memphis has yet to see what its complete roster would look like with all the injuries its players have suffered this season. 

However, should it materialize, adding Smart into a Bucks lineup with another former Defensive Player of the Year in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Damian Lillard would create a starting five capable of doing incredible damage on both ends.

“A starting five of Lillard, Smart, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brook Lopez would be extremely potent on both ends and still have a bench featuring Jae Crowder, Malik Beasley, Cameron Payne, and Andre Jackson Jr.,” Swartz added.

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