2023–2024 stats: 6’1”, 200 pounds, 6’3” wingspan
12.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 3.7 points
Shooting stats: 41% on field goals, 31% on 3-pointers, and 78% on free throws
The Bucks are in severe need of perimeter defense, and with an average of 2.2 steals per game last season, Jamal Shead was among the most disruptive guard defenders in the country. At barely 6-foot-1, he is undoubtedly undersized for a guard, but he is a bulldog on defense with strength and intensity akin to Jevon Carter, which could make him a significant player on that end of the court.
Shead’s shooting percentage during his collegiate career was 29.6%, but he is a terrific playmaker who led the country in assists last season with 6.3 per game. With his float game, he can also be a respectable mid-range scorer out of the pick-and-roll. Shead is a capable backup guard who can lead an offense off the bench and be a defensive tiger for the Bucks.
KJ Simpson, a Colorado native
Statistics for 2023–2024: 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, with 6-foot-5 wingspan
5.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 19.7 points
49 percent of field goals, 43 percent of 3-pointers, and 88 percent of free throws are made.
A versatile electric guard from Colorado named KJ Simpson is capable of doing almost everything. In addition to being a facilitator for others, he can finish at the rim, score from mid-range, make threes (43.4%), rebound, and play some defense. This was demonstrated by his stuffing the stat sheet the previous season, averaging 19.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and a very effective 49.7 percent field goal and 43.4 percent three-point shooting percentage.
Simpson is a smallish guard (6-foot-2, 190 pounds), which is a drawback, but the Milwaukee Bucks may use his quickness and long arms off the bench. Simpson would be the ideal choice if he were available to the Bucks as a backup guard because he has excellent potential on both ends and a very safe floor.
