Milwaukee Bucks: The Eric Bledsoe effect
Starting lineup changes
When Bledsoe arrived, there was always going to be a shuffle in the starting lineup. Brogdon was never going to keep the starting spot. However, without the need to surround Antetokounmpo with so many shooters, head coach Jason Kidd made another two lineup changes.
John Henson replaced Maker in the starting lineup. This means teams are not able to exploit the inexperience and lack of muscle at the pivot that was Maker.
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Kidd has also tried another tinker with the lineup as well. The shooting guard spot always belonged to Snell, but Kidd has shown a liking for the defense of Gary Payton II. Kidd has used both Snell and Payton II as starters since the arrival of Bledsoe.
These changes have led to a drop-off in 3-point shooting, which was to be expected. Bledsoe is shooting the 3-ball at 29.7 percent since joining the Bucks. Brogdon is shooting at 41.2 percent on the season.
This has also been compounded by the injuries to Matthew Dellavedova, who is shooting 39.7 from deep and Mirza Teletovic, who is at 46.7 percent on the season. Snell has also been out the last couple of games.
However, it is not just the 3-point shooting that’s changed, but the bench rotations as well. Some of these rotation changes have occurred due to injury, but Bledsoe has also allowed for a change in style.