We are only two weeks into this young NBA season. Coaches are still in an evaluation phase figuring out what works and what doesn’t. Here are four paragraphs and rotations that need some tweaking:
The Bucks need a shake-up
Bobby Portis has long been one of the NBA’s craziest defenders. He often drifts out of position, misses box assignments, and does not provide consistent rim protection. On offense, his ball-stopping tendencies and questionable decision-making overshadow his occasional scoring outbursts. Then there’s Pat Connaughton, who is too streaky of a shooter to warrant giving him playing time when he’s a slow defender at this stage of his career.
It’s time for Doc Rivers to shake things up. The Bucks can’t afford to stand still when they’re tied for the NBA’s worst record at 1-6. Reducing Portis and Connaughton’s minutes could be a step toward unlocking a more dynamic rotation. The solution? Give AJ Green and Andre Jackson Jr. real shot
Green over Connaughton is an easy choice. Green is a shooter who has made 42.5% of his 3s in his career, and while he is by no means a defensive stopper, he is faster and more energetic than Connaughton. With the limited opportunities he’s received this season, we’ve already seen his ability to fire away:
The passerby on both of those clips above? Jackson, who at 6-foot-6 is a connective playmaker with excellent passing feel and a real willingness to do the dirty work. He will set screens, crash the boards, and his best attribute is his reliable point of attack. His ability to guard multiple positions and make smart reads could be just what Milwaukee’s stagnant lineup needs.
I wouldn’t expect Jackson to fully replace Portis. After all, Portis is 6-10 and has made 40% from 3s in his Bucks tenure. He brings some value. But that’s why it would make sense for the Bucks to use him as a trade piece; they have no picks until 2031, and their young guys haven’t proven enough to have league-wide value. Who is the most tradeable veteran? It is Portis. A lot of teams could use a big that can shoot. So the Bucks should try flipping him for another wing with the goal of creating more minutes for Giannis Antetokounmpo to play center.
Giannis has only gotten limited minutes playing the 5 over the years, in part because of how big Milwaukee’s lineups are. But now is the time. Playing Giannis at the 5 could unlock a new dimension for the Bucks. With Brook Lopez on the floor, they can stick to their drop defense, controlling the paint and contesting shots at the rim. But when Giannis is the only big, surrounded by wings and shooters, Milwaukee could embrace a more switch-heavy, versatile defense. That flexibility would allow the Bucks to adapt more effectively to different opponents and game situations.
The Bucks are at a crossroads. It’s time for creativity and bold decisions to save their season.
Portland should experiment with two bigs
Donovan Clingan is averaging 4.8 blocks per 36 minutes, more than any other player who has logged at least 30 minutes this season – even more than Victor Wembanyama. But in reality, Clingan is only playing 13.2 minutes per game because Deandre Ayton is the veteran starter. With Robert Williams returning to the Trail Blazers, the frontcourt rotation is even more stretched.
Chauncey Billups needs to explore playing two bigs together. Clingan’s talent is undeniable, and as the 7th pick in the draft, he is a cornerstone for Portland’s future. Limiting his minutes not only stifles his development but also subdues the team’s potential. Ayton started shooting 3s, and Clingan isn’t afraid to step up either. Why not see what this offense looks like when both are on the floor? Why not test Ayton’s versatility as a roaming defender with Clingan anchoring the rim?
Portland is in a development phase. This season should be about discovery, not limiting opportunities. Giving Clingan such a reduced role goes against that mission.
The Nuggets should play the kids
With Aaron Gordon sidelined for several weeks with a calf injury, the Nuggets don’t have much choice but to give their young players more minutes. But even when the roster is at full strength, Michael Malone must make a conscious choice to develop his bench.
Just look at Christian Braun. After Bones Hyland was traded in 2023, Braun’s increased minutes paid off big during Denver’s championship run. And so far this season, he’s surprisingly been Denver’s second-best player. However, despite proof of concept, Malone has often been hesitant to let his other young children play through their growing pains since then.
Peyton Watson should step into a starting role. His length, defensive tenacity, and flashes of offensive potential make him a perfect candidate to spell for Gordon. So far this season he has struggled with limited bench minutes, but perhaps he is the type of player who excels with more regular minutes.
If Watson moves into the starting lineup, second-year forward Hunter Tyson deserves a shot off the bench. With his shooting and knack for cutting to the basket, Tyson could become a seamless fit alongside Nikola Jokić’s playmaking brilliance if he earns playing time alongside the three-time MVP.
And besides, the Nuggets are also desperate for higher volume shooting. They rank 29th in 3-point attempts. Tyson could help, and so could Julian Strawther. Strawther makes 47.6% of his 3s; if anything, he could be the young guy who follows the Braun trajectory. Sharing the floor with Jokić is also important; these young guys can’t just be part of the Russell Westbrook experience off the bench. Jokić can make anyone better; why not mix up the rotation to play some starters along with Russ, and some of the kids with Jokić?
The Nuggets know what they’re getting out of their veterans, including Jokić, who is still playing at an MVP level. But to make another deep playoff run, Malone needs to follow the same game plan as last time and start giving these young players meaningful opportunities now, laying the foundation for future success.
Houston needs to give their lottery rookie a chance
Fred VanVleet leads the Rockets in minutes at 37.6, but his performance has been lackluster. He’s averaging just 13.3 points on 13.1 shots per game, shooting a dismal 41.2% from 2 and 27.6% from 3. FVV will have better nights ahead of him. But he shouldn’t play as often when the Rockets just invested the third pick in Reed Sheppard, who plays the same position. Sheppard plays just 9.3 minutes per game.
It’s time to redistribute playing time. Reducing VanVleet’s minutes to a still-respectable 30 per game, Sheppard could see 16-20 minutes on the floor. This is a reasonable balance, especially considering Sheppard’s shooting, passing instincts and defensive playmaking could immediately benefit the Rockets.
Investing in Sheppard’s development now is vital to the team’s present and future. It also provides the front office with clarity on VanVleet’s role, especially with a $44.9 million team option looming next season. Is VanVleet someone they see as part of the long-term picture? That could be the case if Sheppard isn’t ready to take the reins. Or is it time to consider moving VanVleet sooner rather than later? Sheppard needs the chance to prove himself and help shape that decision. Anything less would be short sighted.
