The Milwaukee Bucks wrapped up their 2021-22 campaign by losing to the Boston Celtics in the 2nd round of the NBA Playoffs. Not having Khris Middleton due to an MCL injury caused the Bucks that series because they had a realistic chance of advancing if Middleton was 100% healthy. Giannis Antetokounmpo will be back with a vengeance to showcase another MVP season.
Middleton and Jrue Holiday will have a rejuvenated season to reach All-Star status once again. Even as a small-market franchise, the front office and ownership prioritized re-signing all their key pieces, which played a vital role in the team. As the Bucks are $20 million over the tax, the flexibility was limited to sign other names in free agency.
Even with the few moves of Milwaukee, this would be a brief recap of the Bucks' 2022 offseason moves.
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Re-signed Bobby Portis (A)
There was no doubt that Bobby Portis was returning to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a fan-favorite at Fiserv Forum, Portis opted out of the player option of his previous contract, then signed a 4-year, $49 million contract. He is an integral part of the Milwaukee rotation because of the floor spacing and shot creation he can provide alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In contrast to the starting center Brook Lopez style, Portis provides that crucial offensive boost off the bench. Furthermore, Lopez would have lingering injuries throughout the season, magnifying Bobby Portis's importance.
Re-signed Pat Connaughton to a contract extension (B+)
Pat Connaughton's career started on the wrong foot. He received limited minutes with the Portland Trail Blazers, but his career reached a springboard with the Bucks. Connaughton received a substantial amount of minutes because of his long-range shooting prowess.
Pat Connaughton's three-point percentage over the past two seasons has been 37.1% and 39.5%, respectively. An asset like Connaughton will complement the trio of Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Holiday because defenses cannot help off Pat Connaughton on the corners. A 3-year, $28 million extension is more than worth it for him.
Re-signed Wesley Matthews (C)
Wesley Matthew's career has been a huge rollercoaster. Hitting some roadblocks with massive injuries or painful struggles has derailed him to ascend to an even higher level. Going back to Milwaukee for a second stint has been fantastic as he replaced Grayson Allen in the rotation. Wesley Matthews is past his prime, but he will still be the typical 3-and-D player that would play 12-15 minutes a night.
Re-signed Jevon Carter (C)
There were some bright spots in Jevon Carter's stint with the Phoenix Suns. Moving to the Brooklyn Nets and Bucks has decreased his touches and minutes. There were struggles from Matthews and Allen in the Boston series wherein they could have inserted Carter for a stretch.
As an individual who would be willing to defend the best player on the opposing end and shoot a couple of threes, Jevon Carter is a tremendous secondary guard off the bench.
Re-signed Serge Ibaka (D+)
Serge Ibaka's peak years are gone. Being a third-string center to Lopez and Portis has put him on the bench almost every game. Ibaka's impact and value on the squad rely heavily on his locker room presence and veteran expertise for a championship-contending team.
Signed Joe Ingles (C+)
Joe Ingles will likely be available after the All-Star Break as he is still recovering from an ACL injury. When he returns in tip-top shape, Ingles will have that integral role in running the second unit's offense. Relying too much on Jrue Holiday as the sole playmaker cost them last season, so it was paramount for them to add more shooters who could also create for others. Like Ibaka, Joe Ingles is an articulated figure who would continue encouraging the young guys every night.
Drafted MarJon Beauchamp (C)
Like Jordan Nwora, MarJon Beauchamp will barely get consistent minutes in the early juncture of their career. His athleticism and versatility at the wings may prompt Budenholzer to insert him even for a few minutes in some games. Player development will be the priority for Beauchamp.
Overall (B)
One could argue that the Bucks are still the favorites to win the Eastern Conference for the 2022-23 season. With only Joe Ingles hurt, the Milwaukee Bucks are primed to return to the mountaintop as Giannis Antetokounmpo is just entering his prime. Approaching the trade deadline, the Bucks will always be lingering, similar to how they acquired P.J. Tucker two seasons ago. A B grade is more than satisfactory for the Bucks fans with two months before training camp.
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