Milwaukee Bucks: 5 goals for Donte DiVincenzo’s rookie season

1. Play a role on a conference finalist

The past two seasons the Milwaukee Bucks have played vulnerable teams in the first round, but sloppy mistakes and heroic performances by their opponents sent them packing both seasons. Yet this year a new head coach, a bolstered rotation and another year of experience under Giannis Antetokounmpo’s belt means the franchise should win its first playoff series in almost 20 years.

LeBron James is no longer in the Eastern Conference, which means the opportunity is there for all of the best teams in the East. The Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers all expect to make the conference finals next season, but all have question marks — and none have a superstar they can rely on like Antetokounmpo — not even Toronto, given Kawhi Leonard‘s recent injury history.

If the Bucks are able to win not just one series but two, it will not be because they are led by a rookie. Yet what DiVincenzo can aim for is an established rotation role not just in the regular season, but in the playoffs. Whether Bledsoe is on the team by season’s end or not, DiVincenzo can carve out a spot by being dependable and productive all season long.

By the end of the season, DiVincenzo does not need to be the next coming of Dwyane Wade or Donovan Mitchell (although FiveThirtyEight’s CARMELO player forecasts do link Mitchell and DiVincenzo as similar players). He doesn’t need to be an All-Star. What the Bucks need is someone inexpensive and reliable in the backcourt who can stimulate bench offense.

Do that, and the Bucks are satisfied in their investment. There is time down the line to be great. For his rookie season, Donte DiVincenzo should shoot for dependable. That’s what the Bucks need, and that’s what The Big Ragu can be.