Milwaukee Bucks 2024 NBA off season preview: It's all about improving around the margins
Milwaukee Bucks 2024 NBA off season preview: It's all about improving around the margins
How it ended
With failed expectations. It’s impossible to fault the Bucks for the injuries to both Lillard and Giannis Ante tokounmpo, with the latter missing the entire postseason. Regardless, in this unapologetic world, results are all that matter, and the Bucks failed to live up to the championship-level expectations that were placed on them after the Lillard trade.
Lillard himself certainly raised some questions in regards to his long-term fit with the Bucks, as the soon-to-be 34 year old didn’t sport the volume, nor shooting efficiency, of years' past. Whether Lillard’s sub par season was just a minor hiccup or a sign of issues to come remains to be seen. But it’s difficult to envision him reaching the same level he did during his last year in Portland, when he averaged 32.2 points per game.
Further mucking up Milwaukee’s future is the health of Khr is Middleton. The team’s third star played just 55 games, managing 27 minutes per contest, which isn’t likely to get much better as he enters his age 33 season next year.
The collective regressive health of Milwaukee’s star trio, and the hiring of Rivers — who isn’t known for bringing players together — has suddenly morphed the Bucks, who won the title just three years ago, into a team of constant concern, which stands in stark contrast to how they were perceived going into this season.
Of course, a full season with a full bill of health for all three dramatically changes the outlook of this franchise. But that seems overly optimistic at this stage.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots over Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) during the second half in Game 6 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Indianapolis.
Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots over Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) during the second half of Game 6 on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Indianapolis. Indiana advanced to the second round.
Biggest off season need
The same as it’s been for the past two summers: youth. This Bucks team is old, and its three youngsters — MarJon Beauchamp, Andre Jackson Jr. and A.J. Green — are viewed more as complementary players than foundational pieces, complicating matters for a franchise that wishes to prolong its competitive window.
Organizational direction
The first impression of Antetokounmpo's pairing with Lillard was the wrong one. Turns out trading Jrue Holiday for Lillard was a steep defensive downgrade, and an ill fit on both ends of the court cost Griffin, a first-year coach, his job. The mid season hiring of Rivers did little to resolve chemistry concerns, and an ill-timed injury to Antetokounmpo made matters worse.
However much optimism you might have in Milwaukee's ability to retool around Antetokounmpo and Lillard, there are limits to what the Bucks can do. Brook Lopez, Lillard and Middleton will enter next season at 36, 34 and 33 years old, respectively. The Bucks have minimum contracts or middling trade chips to spend on defensive upgrades. Their top priority, though, is ensuring neither Antetokounmpo nor Lillard requests a trade before both stars get a chance to improve their two-man game over the summer.
Like the Suns, Milwaukee will have to make their first-round selection, given that they didn’t have one last year. They can trade the player after making the selection, but given their need of getting younger, this wouldn’t be advisable.
Draft focus
The Bucks have the luxury of simply adding pieces around Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Four-year college players who can be plugged in right away are Kansas' Kevin McCullar Jr. and Marquette's Tyler Kolek. Both players were the top scoring options for their respective teams and can contribute right away to an established team. Antetokounmpo and 7-4 Purdue star Zach Edey would also be a fun duo to watch in the paint.
Bucks Face Offseason Uncertainty: Health, Youth, and Retooling Needed
The Milwaukee Bucks' 2024 season can be summed up in one word: disappointment. Despite the blockbuster trade for Damian Lillard, injuries and a lack of fit hampered their championship aspirations. Here's a closer look at their season, offseason needs, and the challenges ahead.
Season Recap: High Hopes, Harsh Reality
The Lillard acquisition in September sent shockwaves through the NBA. However, optimism quickly faded. Replacing Adrian Griffin with Doc Rivers as coach proved a misstep, and injuries to both Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo derailed their title chase.
Lillard's arrival raised questions. The soon-to-be 34 year old struggled with volume and efficiency, sparking concerns about his long-term fit. Khris Middleton's health woes added another layer of worry. The 32-year-old's limited playing time suggests his prime might be behind him.
With a star trio battling health issues and a coach not known for fostering chemistry, the Bucks, just three years removed from a championship, found themselves facing a future full of "what ifs."
Off season Needs: Youth is the Fountain
The Bucks' biggest need remains unchanged: an infusion of young talent. The current roster leans heavily on veterans. Their young players – Beauchamp, Jackson, and Green – are viewed as role players, not future stars. This complicates their efforts to extend their championship window.
Organizational Crossroads: Retooling Around the Stars
The initial excitement about Lillard alongside Antetokounmpo fizzled. Trading Jrue Holiday for Lillard resulted in a significant defensive downgrade. The team lacked chemistry on both ends, ultimately costing Griffin his job. While Rivers' arrival aimed to address these issues, the late-season Antetokounmpo injury further hampered progress.
Retooling is crucial, but the Bucks face limitations. With Lopez, Lillard, and Middleton all entering their twilight years, addressing defensive needs is difficult with limited cap space and tradeable assets. Their top priority is keeping both Giannis and Dame happy, hoping a healthy offseason allows them to refine their two-man game.
Draft Focus: Finding Pieces, Not Stars
With the pre-lottery selections at 23 and 33, the Bucks have the luxury of adding complementary pieces. Drafting experienced players like Kansas' Kevin McCullar Jr. or Marquette's Tyler Kolek could provide immediate contributions. Pairing Antetokounmpo with Purdue's 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey would be an intriguing paint presence.
Looking Ahead:
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