The Milwaukee Bucks are undoubtedly contenders, primarily because of the famous person duo of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Nonetheless, there are vital issues that would hinder their path to a deep playoff run. Whereas Lillard and Giannis give the Bucks two of the league’s high abilities, questions on harm dangers, age, and the competency of head coach Doc Rivers loom massive.
Lillard, now 34, has missed 77 video games over the previous two seasons and sat out Video games 5 and 6 in final 12 months’s playoffs. Khris Middleton, one other key piece, has additionally struggled with accidents, lacking 76 video games within the final two seasons and present process surgical procedure on each ankles. Even Giannis, who is often extra sturdy, handled a calf harm that saved him out of the postseason. Whereas they could have the ability to keep comparatively wholesome via the common season, counting on this trio to be at full power all through the playoffs is a raffle.
Then there’s the matter of Rivers. Although he has a fame as a strong regular-season coach, his historical past of playoff disappointments raises issues. After taking on midseason final 12 months and posting a 17-19 report, he confronted criticism for struggling to implement his system with out a full offseason or his most well-liked teaching workers. Now, with a full coaching camp and his chosen workers in place, Rivers has no excuses. However the larger query stays: Has he tailored his teaching fashion to the trendy sport? Can he craft a system that balances offense and protection, particularly within the playoffs, the place the Bucks faltered final 12 months?
Milwaukee’s offseason was comparatively quiet in comparison with different Japanese Convention contenders. They added athleticism via the draft with AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith and located worth in Taurean Prince and Gary Trent Jr. on a veteran minimal contracts. However these strikes don’t scream “contender.” With a core constructed round getting old stars and a coach with a combined playoff historical past, the Bucks may have extra than simply expertise to reclaim their standing as one of many East’s elite. Even when they keep wholesome and defy Father Time, will Rivers’ system be sufficient to push them previous the second spherical of the playoffs? That’s the large query hanging over Milwaukee this season.
The workforce has a complete payroll of $199,573,193 for the 2024-25 season, rating them 4th within the NBA.
Returning: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, MarJon Beauchamp, AJ Inexperienced, Andre Jackson, Chris Livingston, Ryan Rollins
Additions: Delon Wright (Miami), Taurean Prince (LA Lakers), AJ Johnson (Florida, G League), Gary Trent Jr. (Toronto), Liam Robbins (Birmingham, G League), Tyler Smith (G League Ignite), Stanley Umude (Detroit)
Departures: Malik Beasley (Detroit), TyTy Washington (Phoenix), Jaylin Galloway (Sydney), Patrick Beverley (Hapoel Tel Aviv)
Benny Sieu-Imagn Pictures
* Offensive firepower with Lillard and Antetokounmpo.
* Continuity within the core lineup, enhancing chemistry and cohesion after midseason modifications.
* Sturdy perimeter capturing, bolstered by the addition of Trent Jr.
* Improved depth with skilled veteran backups, including stability to the rotation.
* Nicely-balanced roster with a mixture of elite expertise and skilled position gamers, retaining them aggressive within the East.
* Growing older roster raises issues about sturdiness and consistency all through the season.
* Well being points, notably with key gamers lacking time because of accidents, might restrict playoff success.
* Lack of main offseason strikes in comparison with convention rivals, which may go away them behind in a extra aggressive East.
* Dependence on older veterans may hinder the event of youthful gamers and restrict long-term development.
* Defensive weaknesses stay a priority, particularly in opposition to youthful, sooner groups within the convention.
HoopsHype: 1st within the Central Division, 4th within the Japanese Convention
ESPN: 2nd within the Central Division, third within the Japanese Convention
Sportsbooks: 50.5 projected wins
HoopsHype compiled the consensus win averages by gathering win projections from eight sportsbooks, together with FanDuel, Fanatics, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Caesars, and bet365.
You may comply with Cyro Asseo (@CyroAsseo) on X, previously often known as Twitter.
