The Bucks – up 3-0 on the Heat – are gearing up for a second-round series against the Nets (who are up 2-0 on the Celtics).
Brooklyn, of course, has star guards James Harden and Kyrie Irving.
But Milwaukee must face that defensive challenge without starting shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo.
Bucks release:
DiVincenzo hasn’t played well against Miami, but his defense would have been so important in the next round. And his shooting might have come around.
This is a blow.
The Bucks will likely lean more on Bryn Forbes and Pat Connaughton. Forbes is a tough-minded shooting specialist who has been hot against the Heat, but at 6-foot-2, he has defensive challenges. Connaughton is more of a hustle player. They were playing behind DiVincenzo for a reason.
At least Milwaukee still has Jrue Holiday to defend one of Harden or Irving.
DiVincenzo also missed significant time his rookie year with a foot injury. He’ll be eligible for a contract extension this offseason, and health should be a consideration.
The Bucks intended to trade DiVincenzo for Bogdan Bogdanovic last offseason, but the deal fell through amid tampering issues. This injury only adds to the “what if?”
