We’re only two weeks into this young NBA season. Coaches are still in an evaluation phase to find out what works and what doesn’t. Here are four lineups and rotations that need some change:
The Bucks need a shakeup
Bobby Portis has long been one of the NBA’s most maddening defenders. He often drifts out of position, misses box-out assignments and fails to provide consistent rim protection. On offense, his tendency to stop the ball and questionable decision-making overshadow his occasional scoring shots. Then there’s Pat Connaughton, who is far too quick a shooter to warrant playing time, while at this stage of his career he is a slow-footed defender.
It’s time for Doc Rivers to shake things up. The Bucks can’t afford to stay quiet when they’re tied for the NBA’s worst record at 1-6. Reducing Portis and Connaughton’s minutes could be a step toward unlocking a more dynamic rotation. The solution? Give AJ Green and Andre Jackson Jr. a real opportunity.
Green over Connaughton is an easy choice. Green is a sharpshooter who has made 42.5% of his 3s in his career, and while he is not a defensive stopper by any means, he is faster and more energetic than Connaughton. With the limited opportunities he has had this season, we have already seen his ability to fire away:
The passerby from both clips above? Jackson, who at 6 feet tall is a connecting playmaker with a great sense of passing and a real willingness to do the dirty work. He sets screens, crashes the boards and his best attribute is his reliable rushing defense. His ability to guard multiple positions and make smart reads could be exactly what Milwaukee’s stagnant lineup needs.
I wouldn’t expect Jackson to completely replace Portis. After all, Portis is 6-10 and has made 40% of 3s in his Bucks tenure. He brings some value. But that’s why it would make sense for the Bucks to use him as a commodity; they have no picks until 2031, and their young guys haven’t proven enough to be league-wide value. Who is the most marketable veteran? It’s Portis. Many teams could use a big player who can shoot. So the Bucks should look to flip him for a new wing, with the goal of creating more minutes for Giannis Antetokounmpo to play center.
Giannis has played limited minutes at the 5 over the years, partly due to Milwaukee’s big lineups. But now is the time. Playing Giannis at the 5 could unlock a new dimension for the Bucks. With Brook Lopez on the floor, they can stick to their trap defense, control the paint and contest shots at the rim. But if Giannis is the only big, surrounded by wings and shooters, Milwaukee could embrace a more switch-heavy, versatile 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 for creativity and bold decisions to save their season.
Portland should experiment with two big ones
Donovan Clingan is averaging 4.8 blocks per 36 minutes, more than any other player who has logged at least 30 minutes this season – even more than Victor Wembanyama. But in reality, Clingan is only playing 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 must figure out how to play two greats together. Clingan’s talent is undeniable, and as the seventh pick in the draft, he is a cornerstone for Portland’s future. Limiting his minutes not only hinders his development, but also undermines the team’s potential. Ayton has started shooting 3s, and Clingan isn’t afraid to step out either. Why not see what this offense looks like when they’re both on the ground? Why not test Ayton’s versatility as a roaming defender while Clingan anchors the edge?
Portland is in a developmental phase. This season should be about discovery, not limiting opportunities. Giving Clingan such a limited role goes against that mission.
The Nuggets need to play the kids
With Aaron Gordon sidelined for several weeks due to a calf injury, the Nuggets have little choice but to give their young players more minutes. But even with the squad at full strength, Michael Malone must make a conscious decision to develop his bench.
Just look at Christian Braun. When Bones Hyland was traded in 2023, Braun’s increased minutes paid off big time during the championship run in Denver. And so far this season, he’s surprisingly been Denver’s second-best player. But despite proof of concept, Malone has often hesitated since to let his other young boys play out their growing pains.
Peyton Watson should step into a starting role. His height, defensive tenacity and flashes of attacking potential make him a perfect candidate to spell for Gordon. So far this season he has struggled with limited bench minutes, but perhaps he is the type of player who excels with more regular minutes.
If Watson moves into the starting lineup, second-year forward Hunter Tyson deserves a shot off the bench. With his marksmanship and ability to get to the basket, Tyson could fit in seamlessly with the brilliance of Nikola Jokić if he earns time playing alongside the three-time MVP.
And on top of that, the Nuggets are also desperate for higher volume shots. They rank 29th in three-point attempts. Tyson could help, and so could Julian Strawther. Strawther makes 47.6% of his 3s; If anything, he could be the young man to follow the Braun trajectory. However, sharing the word with Jokić is also important; these young guys can’t just be part of the Russell Westbrook experience from the bench. Jokić can make anyone better; why not shuffle the rotation to play some starters next to Russ and some kids with Jokić?
The Nuggets know what they get out of 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 should give its lottery newcomer a chance
Fred VanVleet leads the Rockets at 37.6 within minutes, but his performance was disappointing. He’s averaging just 13.3 points on 13.1 shots per game, shooting a dismal 41.2% from 2 and 27.6% from 3. FVV will have better nights ahead of them. But he shouldn’t play that much if the Rockets just invested the third pick in Reed Sheppard, who plays the same position. Sheppard plays just 9.3 minutes per game.
It’s time to reallocate playing time. Cutting VanVleet’s minutes down to a still-respectable 30 per game allowed Sheppard to see 16-20 minutes on the floor. This is a fair balance, especially considering Sheppard’s shooting instincts, passing instincts and defensive play could immediately benefit the Rockets.
Investing in Sheppard’s development now is essential for both the present and future of the team. 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 picture? That could be the case if Sheppard isn’t ready to take over. Or is it time to consider moving VanVleet sooner rather than later? Sheppard needs the chance to prove himself and help shape that decision. Anything less would be shortsighted.
