Milwaukee Bucks 2023-24 Season: A Blend of Youth and Experience
The Milwaukee Bucks kicked off the 2023-24 season as the NBA’s oldest team. They got even older midseason by signing 35-year-old Danilo Gallinari and trading for another 35-year-old, Patrick Beverley. With such seasoned players joining the roster, the Bucks have an experienced core. But there’s a twist—if they hold onto their 2024 draft picks, AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith, they’ll also have some youthful energy and potential.
A Nod to the Future: Drafting Teenagers
The Bucks’ General Manager, Jon Horst, avoided using the phrase "two timelines," a concept that didn't pan out for the Golden State Warriors. Yet, drafting teenagers like AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith echoes that sentiment. These young talents, along with 19-year-old Chris Livingston, drafted in the second round in 2023, add a fresh dynamic to the veteran-heavy squad.
Horst might have considered trading these picks but found no appealing offers. Instead, he’s holding onto what he calls "lottery tickets," knowing the team won’t have another first-round pick until 2026 and a second-round pick until 2031. As Horst put it, "We do have to care about this team moving forward... It's all about winning this year, but we always have to have an eye on the future."
The New Kids on the Block: AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith
Johnson and Smith are set to bring their unique physical gifts to the NBA court. Johnson is known for his elite speed and potential to score at all three levels. Smith, on the other hand, is a traditional power forward with defensive versatility. Standing 6’9” (6’10” with shoes) and a 7’1” wingspan, Smith has impressive physical stats, including a 38-inch vertical jump, matching early first-round picks like Ron Holland II (Detroit) and Matas Buzelis (Chicago).
Smith also showcased agility during the draft combine, recording the seventh-best lane agility time (10.74 seconds) and a shuttle run under 3.0 seconds, rivalling much smaller players. Plus, he’s got some scoring touch, making 37.7% of his 180 catch-and-shoot three-pointers, as noted by NBA.com. However, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis ahead of him, Smith might not see much court time initially.
G League Opportunities and the Bigger Picture
Despite limited playing time in the main lineup, Smith, Johnson, and Livingston will likely earn valuable minutes in the G League. This setup offers the Bucks an intriguing trio of 20-year-olds to develop as they look beyond the current contracts of Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton.
If no trades occur, and Smith begins the season on the 15-man roster, it signals a strong faith in the development of MarJon Beauchamp, AJ Green, and Andre Jackson Jr. These young players could become viable playoff rotation pieces or even potential starters, depending on the lineup.
Meeting Team Needs: Athleticism Over Age
Head coach Doc Rivers pointed out the need for a more athletic edge after the previous season. He and Horst agree that this requirement isn’t necessarily tied to age. "It's all through the filter of our needs," Horst said. The team spent considerable time analyzing past mistakes and successes to determine what’s best moving forward.
Horst emphasized that age isn’t a primary factor in their assessments. “Whether that's young, old, or middle, it’s the skill set, size, and athleticism that matter.” He pointed out that athleticism can vary greatly regardless of age, saying, "You can be 22 and not athletic and 30 and crazy athletic, so I wouldn't put an age component on it."
Balancing Experience and Youth
While the Bucks acknowledge the need for some younger players, their focus remains on winning a title this season. Balancing the experience of veterans like Antetokounmpo, Lillard, Middleton, Gallinari, and Beverley with the potential of Johnson, Smith, and other young players is key. This blend aims to secure immediate success while preparing for the future.
In summary, the Bucks’ approach this season is a strategic mix of leveraging seasoned talent and nurturing young prospects. With Horst and Rivers aligning on the team’s needs, Milwaukee is set on a path that values both present victories and future growth.
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