In today’s NBA, every team is on a clock.
Ownership trust is at an all-time low, player loyalty is declining, and fan’s patience is practically zero. Players are being traded earlier and earlier in their contracts, and coaches are being fired after only a year (or only 43 games in Adrian Griffin’s case). Worst of all, young players aren’t given enough time to blossom into their full potential.
This is all to say: every team is on a timetable. And, the Milwaukee Bucks are on one of the shortest.
The Problem
Holding the second oldest roster in the NBA last season — only the L.A. Clippers were older — the Bucks’ clock is ticking.
Milwaukee has three core players in their mid-30s (Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, and Khris Middleton), all with scary injury histories, and haven’t drafted a compatible player in over five years.
But, fans are hopeful that this year’s draft prospects of A.J. Johnson and Tyler Smith will prove different.
Additionally, due to financial restrictions of the second apron, signing free agents is becoming harder and harder. While the Bucks did find success in free agency, picking up veteran Delon Wright, Gary Trent Jr., and Taurean Prince, there are still massive holes in this team that need to be filled.
So what do the Bucks need? A long forward with guard-defending capabilities, three-point shooting, and tertiary scoring.
Coming off of his Sophomore season, MarJon Beauchamp is a player who needs to have a big jump in order to stay on this Bucks roster. Drafted 24th overall in the 1st round of the 2022 NBA draft, Beauchamp has played just 100 games for the Bucks and started only 12.
As Khris Middleton’s role in Milwaukee diminishes, the need for another forward increases. In his place, players such as Pat Connaughton, Gary Trent Jr., and Beauchamp will be called upon. If Beauchamp isn’t able to perform in this time of need, his time in Milwaukee may be cut short.
Why keep MarJon?
The Bucks have lost out before on young players who ran out of time in the 414.
Donte DiVincenzo is a player who the Bucks gave up on too early. He really came into his own as an archetypal 3&D role player last season for the Knicks, making the third most three-pointers in the entire league in 2023-24. While he did spend nearly four whole years playing in Milwaukee, his prototype is well-needed in the 2024 version of the Bucks.
Former rookie of the year Malcom Brogdon won 6th-man in Boston after losing ties with the Bucks in 2019 and being traded to the Indiana Pacers. Brogdon has proven to be a solid depth piece in any team he’s played on, including Milwaukee.
Back in the 2016-17 season, Milwaukee was one of the first teams to give Gary Payton II a chance in the NBA. While multiple other teams were unable to see his defensive potential, it’s just another missed opportunity in the Bucks’ catalog.
What is his potential?
Beauchamp is listed at a slender 6-6 and 199 lbs. His frame reminds me of a shorter Jayson Tatum, with broad shoulders and long arms (7-1 wingspan). His physical potential, athleticism, and energy should combine to be a solid perimeter defender. For his size, he has surprisingly tight handles and some good finishing ability.
Where Beauchamp should excel the most is as a perimeter defender. The forward’s off-ball work and energy allow him to work into passing lanes quickly and start fast breaks. He should be a great tone-setter for the rest of the defense if the Bucks decide to make him a permanent addition to the rotation.
His upside is a solid role-player with shades of Kelly Oubre Jr. and Tony Allen. However, his true potential will only be actualized if he develops a better 3-point shot. He is a career 72% free-throw shooter and has shone flashes of a mid-range.
MarJon was a 40% shooter from deep last season, albeit on a measly 1.6 attempts per game. If he keeps hitting threes at that clip, but at a higher volume…
…Mr. Beauchamp, YOU will be a Buck for life.
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