Taylor Jenkins Shares How Jaime Jaquez Jr. Can Improve for Bucks This Season

This season will look a bit different for the Milwaukee Bucks following the decision to trade former Finals MVP and franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis was dealt to the Miami Heat and, in return, the Bucks got back three players who were pivotal pieces in Miami. 

The Bucks received forward Kel'el Ware and guards Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. While Ware and Herro stood out to most people, Jaquez is quietly going to be the X-Factor for this roster. 

Recently, Milwaukee head coach Taylor Jenkins spoke to the media about Jaquez's upcoming season, and he believes Jaquez could be a reliable starter with the Bucks despite finishing second in the Sixth Man of the Year voting. 

Jenkins believes Jaquez will make a big impact on the Bucks no matter where he lands in the rotation. 

"Regardless of where he ends up, starting or coming off the bench, I think he can make a significant impact for us, but I really want him to take that next step defensively," Jenkins said. 

"Just getting that challenge night after night is going to be exciting for his growth and our growth too." 

In the Eastern Conference, Jaquez will have to be matched up with multiple talented small forwards night in and night out, but those kinds of challenges are what Jenkins believes could unlock his true potential. 

In his past teams with the Memphis Grizzlies, Taylor Jenkins has made it a point of emphasis to defend at the highest level. The teams that he's coached have been known to play with a lot of intensity on that end, and it's clear that he's looking to bring that to the Bucks. 

The interesting part about this Bucks starting lineup is that it does not have one real defensive weapon. All of the players in the lineup have been known to be productive on the offensive end, but they lack a true edge on defense. 

If Jaquez can improve his defense significantly, it would elevate this team to a much more competitive roster. He will have to guard the likes of Jayson Tatum, Mikal Bridges, and LeBron James, and if he can hold his own, that would be a big boost for the Bucks. 

In terms of playing time, Jenkins may move Jaquez around to different spots to see where he fits best, so it will be interesting to see where he ends up. Either way, he's stepping into a big opportunity with Milwaukee and could come to his own in this new chapter of his career.