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Milwaukee’s preseason offered an early reminder of how critical lineup construction is: when the Bucks started two forwards who aren’t known for shooting, the offense stalled — and when they spread the floor differently, results improved almost immediately.
Why two non-shooters presents a problem
Starting both Kyle Kuzma and Jaime Jaquez Jr. created predictable spacing issues. In the opener, Milwaukee managed just 33% from the field as opposing defenses were able to crowd the paint and limit driving lanes.
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Individually, the numbers were telling: Kuzma went 0-for-2 from beyond the arc while Jaquez was 1-for-4. With so few threats occupying perimeter defenders, the rest of the offense found it harder to get clean looks.
How splitting them changed the rhythm
When Kuzma didn’t play in Game 2, the Bucks moved to a lineup with Jaquez as the only traditional non-shooter in the frontcourt. The team shot 46% from the field and eked out a narrow victory over the Thunder.
Jaquez looked more at ease, knocking down 3 of 7 from three-point range and finishing with 13 points. The difference wasn’t solely three-point accuracy: Milwaukee actually hit more threes and shot a slightly better percentage from deep in Game 1 (16 makes at 34%) than in Game 2 (14 makes at 32%). The key was the extra room on the floor when Kuzma sat, which created easier opportunities for other players.
What Kel’el Ware added
Kel'el Ware stepped into the starting lineup in place of Kuzma and provided spacing in both directions of the court. He attempted four threes and converted more as an interior target on drives, finishing alley-oops when defenders rotated.
Ware’s offensive impact is clear, but his long-term value depends on whether he can match the mobility and defensive requirements of a forward in Milwaukee’s system.
Roster realities that may force Jenkins’ hand
The Bucks are deep in the backcourt but light at the forward spots. Until Nate Ament is ready to claim a starting role, Kuzma and Jaquez remain the only proven wings the team can reliably turn to in the frontcourt.
Many of Milwaukee’s shooters carry their own limitations — defensive flaws, size mismatches or limited playmaking — which constrains how often they can be on the floor together. That scarcity of reliable forward options could lead coach Taylor Jenkins to spell minutes with Kuzma and Jaquez sharing time despite the spacing trade-offs.
