Milwaukee Bucks: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2018-19

3. Sterling Brown

It is unfortunate for Sterling Brown that he has become a well-known figure in the NBA world and the country at large due to his inexcusable treatment at the hands of the Milwaukee police. What that ugly story covered up was that Brown had a solid rookie season that hints at something more.

Defensively Brown played at a higher level than most rookies, proving himself capable of guarding opposing wings. His steal and block rates were above-average for his position, and despite often playing down a position at the 3, he was a strong rebounder for his size.

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The area for significant growth is in his offensive game, where Brown’s results were relatively mediocre. He shot 35.2 percent from 3-point range and just 40 percent overall from the field, averaging 1.02 points per shot attempt. That final number ranked just 28th among wing-eligible players, per Cleaning the Glass.

Even with the poor shooting, Brown was in the right places to succeed. He took 45 percent of his shots from behind the arc, including a robust 21 percent from the corners, and 35 percent at the rim. His free throw percentage of 87.5 percent indicates his shooting is likely to come around, and his high-efficiency shot selection should lead to more made baskets.

Increased playing time in his second season, paired with a higher field goal percentage could lead to a serious uptick in offensive production. Alongside defensive acumen that will be better harnessed under Budenholzer’s defensive scheme, Sterling Brown could be in line for a breakout season.