The Milwaukee Bucks are undoubtedly contenders, primarily as a result of celebrity duo of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Nonetheless, there are vital considerations that would hinder their path to a deep playoff run. Whereas Lillard and Giannis give the Bucks two of the league’s high skills, questions on damage 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 usually extra sturdy, handled a calf damage that saved him out of the postseason. Whereas they may be capable to keep comparatively wholesome via the common season, counting on this trio to be at full power all through the playoffs is of venture.
Then there’s the matter of Rivers. Although he has a repute as a stable regular-season coach, his historical past of playoff disappointments raises considerations. After taking on midseason final 12 months and posting a 17-19 file, he confronted criticism for struggling to implement his system with no full offseason or his most popular teaching employees. Now, with a full coaching camp and his chosen employees in place, Rivers has no excuses. However the larger query stays: Has he tailored his teaching fashion to the trendy recreation? 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 Jap 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 older stars and a coach with a blended 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 massive 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 Photos
* Offensive firepower with Lillard and Antetokounmpo.
* Continuity within the core lineup, enhancing chemistry and cohesion after midseason adjustments.
* Robust perimeter taking pictures, 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, preserving them aggressive within the East.
* Growing older roster raises considerations about sturdiness and consistency all through the season.
* Well being points, significantly with key gamers lacking time as a consequence of accidents, could restrict playoff success.
* Lack of main offseason strikes in comparison with convention rivals, which might go away them behind in a extra aggressive East.
* Dependence on older veterans would possibly hinder the event of youthful gamers and restrict long-term development.
* Defensive weaknesses stay a priority, particularly towards youthful, sooner groups within the convention.
HoopsHype: 1st within the Central Division, 4th within the Jap Convention
ESPN: 2nd within the Central Division, third within the Jap 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 possibly can comply with Cyro Asseo (@CyroAsseo) on X, previously often called Twitter.