The Milwaukee Bucks are undoubtedly contenders, primarily due to the famous person duo Damien Lillard And Giannis Antetokounmpo. Nevertheless, there are important considerations that might hinder their path to a deep playoff run. Whereas Lillard and Giannis give the Bucks two of the league’s finest skills, questions on damage dangers, age and talent of head coach Doc Rivers loom giant.
Lillard, now 34, has missed 77 video games over the previous two seasons and didn’t play in Video games 5 and 6 of final yr’s playoffs. Khris Middletonone other key piece, has additionally struggled with accidents, lacking 76 video games over the previous two seasons and present process surgical procedure on each ankles. Even Giannis, who’s often more durable, suffered a calf damage that stored him out of the playoffs. Whereas they will keep comparatively wholesome all through the common season, relying on this trio to be at full power all through the playoffs is a bet.
Then there’s the Rivers query. Though he has a popularity as a strong coach within the common season, there are considerations about his historical past of playoff disappointments. After taking on midseason final yr and posting a 17-19 document, he was criticized for struggling to implement his system and not using a full offseason or his most well-liked teaching employees. Now, with coaching camp full and his chosen group in place, Rivers has no extra excuses. However the largest query stays: has he tailored his teaching fashion to the trendy recreation? Can he construct a system that balances offense and protection, particularly within the playoffs, the place the Bucks failed final yr?
Milwaukee’s offseason has been comparatively quiet in comparison with different Jap Convention contenders. They added athleticism within the draft with AJ Johnson And Tyler Smith and I discovered worth in Prince Taurus And Gary Trent Jr. on a veteran minimal contract. However these strikes don’t scream “competitor.” With a core of getting old stars and a coach with a combined playoff historical past, the Bucks might have greater than 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 is the large query hanging over Milwaukee this season.
Depth chart
The group has a complete payroll of $199,573,193 for the 2024-25 season, which ranks 4th within the NBA.
Record adjustments
Again: 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)
Essential robust level
* Offensive firepower with Lillard and Antetokounmpo.
* Continuity within the base lineup, enhancing chemistry and cohesion after mid-season adjustments.
*Robust perimeter taking pictures, bolstered by the addition of Trent Jr.
* Improved depth with skilled veteran backups, including stability to the rotation.
*A well-rounded roster with a mixture of elite expertise and skilled position gamers, conserving them aggressive within the East.
Essential weaknesses
* The getting old roster raises considerations about sustainability and consistency all through the season.
* Well being points, particularly when key gamers miss time attributable to accidents, can restrict postseason success.
* Lack of main offseason strikes in comparison with convention rivals, which may go away them behind in a extra aggressive East.
*Reliance on older veterans may hinder the event of youthful gamers and restrict long-term development.
* Defensive weaknesses stay a priority, particularly towards the convention’s youthful, sooner groups.
Prediction
HoopsHype: 1st within the Central Division, 4th within the Jap Convention
ESPN: 2nd within the Central Division, third within the Jap Convention
Sports activities betting: 50.5 projected wins
HoopsHype compiled the consensus profitable averages by bringing collectively profitable projections from eight sportsbooks, together with FanDuel, Fanatics, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Caesars and bet365.
You’ll be able to comply with Cyro Asseo (@CyroAsséo) on X, previously often called Twitter.
This text was initially printed on Hoops Hype: Milwaukee Bucks 2024-25: A Fast Preview
