NBA Preview: Milwaukee Bucks
UPDATE: It's kind of funny, because I was about to write this article tomorrow, but I chose not to because I was bored, and then a few hours later, G/F Khris Middleton was declared out for about 6 months...I'd post an smh emoji, if this blog website had emojis, right about now. This is a terrible loss for the Bucks, who now are on the market for a wing replacement. I'll shortly be doing an article on potential trades scenarios if the Bucks choose that route.
30 teams, and despite that face on the cover photo, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks should be a very happy man. Why? He recently signed a $100 million deal to stay in Milwaukee, and by the time he is 27 he will have all of that. Outside of the good news on his part, the Milwaukee Bucks are trying to regain some momentum they gained two seasons ago after being a surprise playoff team. They then proceeded to add C Greg Monroe, who was not a fit, and now are trying to put the pieces back together with Monroe still in the fold and make it back to the postseason.
ADDITIONS: PG Matthew Dellavedova (Cleveland), PF Mirza Teletovic (Phoenix), G Jason Terry (Houston), F Thon Maker (draft), G Malcolm Brogdon (draft)
SUBTRACTIONS: PG Jerryd Bayless (Philadelphia), PG Greivis Vasquez (Brooklyn), F/C Johnny O'Bryant (free agent), F Damien Inglis (free agent), G OJ Mayo (2 year ban with no definite return)
RESIGNED: C Miles Plumlee, F Steve Novak
It was a bit surprising to see the Bucks not trade Monroe away for anybody, but it's hard to trade a max contract who doesn't play great defense and is not a 3 point threat. Teams used to die for a player like Monroe, now he's an old-school big man trying to find a role with a mediocre team. Same goes for G Michael Carter-Williams, who has certainly "fell off" since being Rookie of the Year in 2013. Outside of the non-activity, bringing in the aggressive defense of Dellavedova, great 3 point shooting of Teletovic, and leadership of Terry were all smart, under-the-radar moves by the Bucks. Losing Jerryd Bayless will sting as he is coming off a career year, but in the grand scheme of things he is replaceable. The biggest move was probably re-signing Miles Plumlee to a big deal, and it may be an indication that he is the center of the future.
PLAYER TO WATCH: I want to see how the new players perform and if Monroe/Carter-Williams can re-establish trade value, but the guy I'm looking at right now is F/C John Henson. Fresh off the first season of his $44 million contract, he has been a disappointment ever since that contract was signed. His usage rates fluctuated a lot, his contributions fluctuated as well, and it was unclear (and remains unclear) what his long-term role on the team is. I'm intrigued to see what he does this season, and if he has a chance to regain some of his consistency.
BIGGEST CONCERN: The biggest concerns for the Bucks are about the guys that they should have tried harder to trade in the offseason, and what they will be doing for this team. At the end of last season, Monroe and Carter-Williams spent some time coming off the bench instead of starting games, which is alarming considering that Monroe was the highest paid Buck prior to the Antetokounmpo extension (and he still is since that won't kick in until next season). It's becoming clearer that Carter-Williams is not the point guard of the future nor Monroe at center, but if this year's team is going to take a step forward instead of remaining idle Monroe and Carter-Williams both must have better performances. The general wing depth is a bit concerning as well, as the three position technically just contains Khris Middleton and a couple undrafted free agents.
BIGGEST UNKNOWN: Thon Maker's role on this year's team is the biggest unknown, as many of people consider him to be Giannis 2.0. He had a better than expected summer league, but he still showed he is clearly not ready for the big men in the NBA. He needs to add probably 30 pounds at least and thaw out his raw talent before he can become a great factor for the Bucks. His potential stretches well above a high ceiling, but his floor could be that of any prospect who never turned out to be what people believed.
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: C Greg Monroe, PF Jabari Parker, SF Khris Middleton, G Matthew Dellavedova, PG Giannis Antetokounmpo
ROTATIONAL PIECES: PG Michael Carter-Williams, F/C John Henson, C Miles Plumlee, PF Mirza Teletovic, G Jason Terry
ROUNDING OUT THE ROSTER: SG Malcolm Brogdon, PG Tyler Ennis, SG Rashad Vaughn, F Thon Maker, F Steve Novak
PREDICTION: I don't know what to think of this team, as all I hear about them is potential (and I live in Wisconsin, so I hear about them more than most throughout the US). If Jabari Parker, Middleton, and Antetokounmpo continue an upward trend, they are among the best threesome's in the NBA. Throw in a competent season from Greg Monroe, some good post defense from Plumlee and Henson, and additional three point shooters and we might have a real team here. The leadership is now there as well, as G Jason Terry is one of the oldest players in the NBA, has a ring with Dallas, and is a natural leader. I like the Bucks to make the playoffs, and I think they will be over the .500 mark for the first time since Andrew Bogut was considered an All-NBA player in 2009-10.
