"Compliments our roster": Bucks coach hints search for last starting spot in lineup next to Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo is over

The blockbuster Damian Lillard trade cost the Milwaukee Bucks two of their best players: Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen. While Lillard will slot in at one guard spot, Milwaukee needs to replace the other. Bucks coach Adrian Griffin may have already found his man in Malik Beasley.

Griffin said after Milwaukee beat Chicago 105-102 on Sunday that Beasley might be the front-runner for the open roster spot, Bucks beat writer Eric Nehm reported.

"I think he [Beasley] showcased tonight why he complements our roster," the Bucks coach said.

Malik Beasley joined the Bucks this offseason as a free agent. He started the first preseason game for the Bucks against the Chicago Bulls. He scored 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting, made three 3-pointers, dropped four assists and two steals.

Although the starting spot is still open. the coach’s positive reaction should make him the front-runner. Beasley is a career 37.8% shooter from the arc, and the Bucks could use him in the starting lineup alongside Damian Lillard and Giannis to spread the floor.

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Can Malik Beasley make up for Damian Lillard's bad defense?

Malik Beasley was never known for his defensive prowess, but it seems like the Milwaukee Bucks player might have to pull himself by the socks. Throughout his career, Beasley had managed to keep himself in the league with his elite 3-point shooting. However, Griffin made a intriguing statement about the newly acquired player.

Griffin already told Beasley that the remaining spot would have the toughest assignment on the floor. Beasley said that he understands he has to step up for the role.

“I gotta fill in a role with Jrue’s defensive presence, so just making sure that I’m talking and defending. Making shots, that’ll happen, that’ll come over time.”

When it comes to the Bucks' defense in the starting lineup, they already have a weak link defensively in Damian Lillard. Someone other than Damian Lillard has to step up defensively so that Dame can operate freely.