We are only two weeks into this young NBA season. Coaches are still in the evaluation phase, trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t. Here are four compositions and rotations that need some changes:
The Bucks need a shake-up
Bobby Portis has long been one of the most infuriating defenders in the NBA. He often drifts out of position, misses box-out assignments and fails to provide consistent rim protection. On offense, his ball-stopping tendencies and questionable decision-making overshadow his occasional scoring bursts. Then there’s Pat Connaughton, who is far too skilled a shooter to justify giving him playing time as a slow defender at this point in his career.
It’s time for Doc Rivers to shake things up. The Bucks can’t afford to remain static while tied for the worst record in the NBA at 1-6. Reducing Portis and Connaughton’s minutes could be a step toward a more dynamic rotation. The solution? Give AJ Green and Andre Jackson Jr a real chance.
Green on Connaughton is an easy choice. Green is a sniper who has made 42.5 percent of his 3s in his career, and while he is by no means a defensive stopper, he is quicker and more energetic than Connaughton. With the limited opportunities he’s had this season, we’ve already seen his shooting ability:
The passerby in these two 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’ll set screens and crash the boards, and his best attribute is his reliable defense at the 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 completely replace Portis. After all, Portis is 6-10 and made 40 percent from 3 during his tenure with the Bucks. It provides some value. But that’s why it would make sense for the Bucks to use him as a trade piece; they don’t have a pick until 2031, and their youngsters haven’t proven enough to have league-wide value. Who is the most tradeable veteran? It’s Portis. Many teams could use a big player who can shoot. The Bucks should therefore try to replace him with another wing in an attempt to create more minutes for Giannis Antetokounmpo to play center.
Giannis has only received limited minutes playing the 5 over the years, in part because of the size of Milwaukee’s lineups. But now it’s time. Playing Giannis at the 5 could open a new dimension for the Bucks. With Brook Lopez on the floor, they can stick to their drop defense, control the paint and contest shots at the rim. But when Giannis is the only big, surrounded by wings and shooters, Milwaukee could adopt a more versatile, heavier defense. This flexibility would allow the Bucks to adapt more effectively to different opponents and game situations.
The Bucks are at a crossroads. It’s time to get creative and make bold decisions to save their season.
Portland should experience two big
Donovan Clingan averages 4.8 blocks per 36 minutes, more than any other player who has logged at least 30 minutes this season – and even more than Victor Wembanyama. But in reality, Clingan only plays 13.2 minutes per game because Deandre Ayton is the veteran starter. With Robert Williams returning to the Trail Blazers, the frontcourt rotation is about to get even tighter.
Chauncey Billups needs to explore playing two greats together. Clingan’s talent is undeniable, and as the 7th pick in the draft, he is a cornerstone of Portland’s future. Limiting his minutes not only stifles his development, but also undermines the team’s potential. Ayton has started shooting 3s and Clingan isn’t afraid to get out there either. Why not see what this attack looks like when both are on the ground? 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 children
With Aaron Gordon out for several weeks with calf injurythe Nuggets have no choice but to give more minutes to their young players. But even when the squad is at full strength, Michael Malone must make a conscious choice to develop his bench.
Just look at Christian Braun. Once Bones Hyland was traded in 2023, Braun’s increased minutes paid off during Denver’s championship run. And so far this season, he’s surprisingly been Denver’s second-best player. Yet despite a proof of concept, Malone was often reluctant to let his other young players overcome their growing pains.
Peyton Watson is expected to play a starting role. His length, defensive tenacity and flashes of offensive potential make him an ideal candidate to replace Gordon. So far this season, Watson has struggled with limited bench minutes, but he may be the type of player who excels with more consistent minutes.
If Watson joins the starting lineup, second-year forward Hunter Tyson deserves a chance on the bench. With his accurate shooting and knack for getting to the basket, Tyson could fit right in alongside Nikola Jokić’s brilliant playmaker, if he earns time playing 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, as could Julian Strawther. Strawther wins 47.6% of his 3s; on the contrary, he could be the young man who follows Braun’s trajectory. Sharing the floor with Jokić is also important; these young guys can’t just be part of the Russell Westbrook experiment off the bench. Jokić can make anyone better; why not change the rotation to play some starters alongside Russ and some kids with Jokić?
The Nuggets know what they want from their veterans, including Jokić, who is still playing at an MVP level. But to make another deep playoff run, Malone must follow the same game plan as last time and start giving these young players meaningful opportunities now, laying the foundation for future success.
Houston must give its lottery rookie a chance
Fred VanVleet leads the Rockets in minutes with 37.6, but his performance has been disappointing. He’s averaging just 13.3 points on 13.1 shooting 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 as the Rockets have just invested the 3rd overall pick in Reed Sheppard, who occupies the same position. Sheppard only plays 9.3 minutes per game.
It’s time to redistribute playing time. By reducing VanVleet’s minutes to a still respectable 30 per game, Sheppard could see 16-20 minutes on the court. This is a reasonable balance, especially since Sheppard’s shooting, passing instincts and defensive play could immediately benefit the Rockets.
Investing in Sheppard’s development now is essential for both the team’s present and future. It also gives the front office 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 plan? That could be the case if Sheppard isn’t ready to take the reins. Or is it time to consider moving VanVleet ASAP? Sheppard needs the opportunity to prove himself and help make this decision. To do anything less would be shortsighted.
