5 reasons the Milwaukee Bucks can win the 2021 NBA championship
By Ian Levy
2. Jrue Holiday changes the Bucks’ playoff offense
Holiday’s 3-point shooting and defense have been huge additions for the Bucks (and huge upgrades over Eric Bledsoe) but his ability as a secondary creator is his most important trait for the Bucks. If opposing defenses focus on packing the paint and shutting down Giannis, Milwaukee won’t have to only focus on bombing away from the outside or hoping Middleton can win his individual matchup. They’ll also have another high-level creator who can make things happen for himself and others.
Holiday ranks in the 78th percentile in scoring efficiency as the ball-handler in the pick-and-roll (Giannis is in the 87th, Middleton is in the 69th). Holiday is also in the 76th percentile in scoring efficiency in isolation (Giannis is in the 87th, Middleton is in the 68th). That gives the Bucks three different options to attack a mismatch, create a shot in a high-leverage situation or make something happen when a double-team draws the defense elsewhere.