Bucks projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season

Mar 13, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) puts his arm around small forward Khris Middleton (22) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

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Khris Middleton, Draymond Green replacements (Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports) /

Milwaukee Bucks starting small forward: Khris Middleton

Khris Middleton re-signed for the Bucks for a three-year, $93-million deal and will be the starting small forward for the Bucks. Last season Middleton averaged 15.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists on 44/32/90 splits.

Middleton had an off season because he played in 33 games last season as he was dealing with a wrist injury to start the season and a knee injury midway through the season. In the playoffs Middleton looked like his old self where he averaged 23.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists on 47/41/87 splits.

Going into the next season fully healthy Middleton will return to his All-Star form giving you similar numbers as he did in the playoffs and on the brink of 50/40/90. It is very important for Middleton to play well as his injury problems may have cost the Bucks two championships.

Middleton is the perfect co-star for Giannis as he can do just about everything really well. He’s a great scorer, above-average playmaker, defender and he also takes on the role of being the closer. Giannis is not known for creating his own jump shot late in a game but Khris Middleton has taken those opportunities time after time for the Bucks.

Primary Bucks backup small forward: Pat Connaughton

Even though Pat Connaughton is undersized for a small forward at 6-foot-5, he plays bigger than he actually is. For the last two seasons for the Bucks he was listed as a small forward where he averaged 8.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 43/37/76 splits.

Connaughton won’t be asked to do much more than make threes and use his underrated athletic ability to crash the glass. There were countless times throughout the Bucks championship run where Connaughton would get a key rebound or hit a big three. Every team needs a gritty player who’s willing to get their hands dirty and hit a big shot late in the game.

Others who could receive minutes: MarJon Beauchamp and Giannis Antetokounmpo

MarJon Beauchamp is going to be the third-string small forward for the Bucks. The sophomore stands at 6-foot-6 which gives them a little bit of more size there and averaged 5.1 points, 2.2 rebounds on 40/33/73 splits in 52 games played.

As long as everyone stays healthy Beauchamp won’t see the court that much but, if someone gets hurt Beauchamp will see significant playing time. He has the size and length to be a potential great three and d wing for the Bucks.

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