After a disappointing finish to their season with a blowout loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Milwaukee Bucks are now looking ahead to next season. With so much promise heading into their highly anticipated showdown with the Celtics, the Bucks definitely underachieved after their dominant first round win against the Chicago Bulls.
Granted Khris Middleton was forced to miss the entire series with a lingering knee injury, but the Bucks still had control of this series after going up 3-2. Unfortunately they lost their edge after blowing homecourt advantage in Game 6. Two key issues for the Bucks were inconsistencies on the scoring and playmaking fronts. As a result, this put more pressure on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday to carry the load for the Bucks offensively.
They also were struggling with their perimeter defense in Games 6 and 7 of the series, which were further evidenced by the endless amount of 3-pointers that the Celtics knocked down. With all these being major areas of concern for the Bucks, we'll now take a look at three early free agent targets who could help them remedy this during the 2022 NBA offseason.
Free Agent Targets For Bucks In 2022 NBA Offseason
3. Tyus Jones
After struggling to find his footing during his first four seasons in the league, Tyus Jones finally turned the tide and established a rhythm with the Memphis Grizzlies. With averages of 8.7 points and 4.4 assists per game on 39.0 percent shooting from distance this past season, Jones could be a great fit in Milwaukee and see those numbers go up.
Outside of Holiday, the Bucks lack depth at the guard spot and were in dire need of an additional ball-handler, playmaker and facilitator against the Celtics with Middleton injured. George Hill was highly ineffective and the loss of Donte DiVincenzo at the NBA trade deadline also proved to be a huge blow for them.
Still just 26 years old, Jones is a defensive-minded combo guard who could be the additional scorer and floor general that the Bucks are sorely lacking. Jones has plenty of upside to his game, and playing alongside talents like Giannis, Holiday, Middleton and Brook Lopez would only add to his progression.
2. Malik Monk
Coming off a one-year “prove-it” contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, Malik Monk definitely proved himself as LA's offensive sparkplug all season. Even in the midst of a dreadful campaign, Monk's play was one of the few bright spots for the LakeShow during the 2021-22 campaign. After averaging 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists on 39.1 percent shooting from downtown, Monk's free agency value has definitely skyrocketed.
Even with reliable vets like Bobby Portis, Grayson Allen, Pat Connaughton and Jevon Carter on the roster, the Bucks still struggled mightily on offense. This was especially true in their last two games against the Celtics. Adding an elite offensive talent like Monk would bring an exciting new element to the Bucks' rotation.
Whether he's starting or coming off the bench, Monk's athleticism, shot creation and slashing abilities are all attributes that the Bucks would benefit from greatly.
Before the season started, Gary Payton II was waived by the Warriors because they didn't have a roster spot available for him. In due time he returned to Golden State after not being claimed by another team. Prior to his elbow injury that has left him sidelined during the Dubs' current playoff run, Young Glove established himself as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA while posting 7.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.
His highlight reel finishes, limitless athleticism, clutch shot making and defensive tenacity would make him a welcome addition in Milwaukee. Considering that he's overachieved and will likely be out of Golden State's price range this summer, this will be a prime opportunity for the Bucks to swoop in and add a known quantity with playoff experience.
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