Bucks' Potential Impact Players
Through three games played in the NBA Summer League, the Milwaukee Bucks have had some players exceed expectations. Although the NBA Summer League does not show a player's true potential, it is a decent barometer to how a player might impact a team at the highest level. Two players who have been standing out for the Bucks are 2021 second-round draft pick, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and the 2022 first-round pick Marjon Beauchamp. In the current NBA, both of these players could be very impactful for the Bucks during the upcoming regular season, and more importantly, in the playoffs.
Stretch 4/5: Sandro Mamukelashvili
During the 2021-22 NBA season, Mamukelashvili only appeared in 41 games. On the season, he averaged 3.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and less than one assist in under 10 minutes played per game. Since the Bucks are in “win-now” mode, Mamukelashvili’s rookie year was more of a development year. During the 2022 Summer League. though, Sandro has shown impressive flashes that could be helpful for the Bucks moving forward. So far through three games, Sandro is leading the team in scoring and rebounding. He also leads the Summer League squad in blocks and steals. What has been even more impressive, though, are his shooting numbers. According to RealGM, Mamukelashvili has been shooting just over 56% from three and over 47% from the field with volume, attempting just under 15 shots per game.
If Sandro is able to maintain consistent shooting numbers, he could be an extremely valuable big man for the contending Bucks. Sandro will also need to hold up on the defensive end by showing he can be effective in the drop coverage, something Brook Lopez has mastered. It seems like Sandro has the shooting part of it figured out, so if he can be serviceable on the defensive end, he will become a key role player for this Bucks team.
Wing: MarJon Beauchamp
During the 2022 NBA Draft, it became clear that the Bucks were looking to add a defensive wing that could impact the team as early as this year. On draft day, the “war room” had MarJon Beauchamp circled as their guy at 24. Heading into the draft, Beauchamp’s obvious strength was his length and ability on the defensive end. After losing to the Boston Celtics in the 2021 playoffs, it became clear that the Bucks needed more wing depth. Relying on Wesley Matthews to defend Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum is not something the Bucks want to do moving forward.
The question mark for Beauchamp coming into the draft was if he would be able to sustain consistent shooting numbers. This is critically important when playing with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Through three Summer League contests, Beauchamp is shooting 50% on threes and 47% from the field. He has shown an ability to shoot off the catch and create for himself off the dribble. Obviously it is early, but the defense that Beauchamp plays will be immediately impactful in the NBA. If his shooting is just serviceable, he will get minutes on this Bucks team.
2022-23 Outlook
As of now, it appears that Sandro is going to make an immediate impact for the Bucks. Having a stretch big on the floor with Giannis will be essential coming off the bench. This will ease the burden for Khris Middleton and 35-year-old Wesley Matthews. It will be interesting to see how Budenholzer incorporates these two guys. More importantly, It will be exciting to see how these two can impact a title contender.
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