The Milwaukee Bucks have been nothing shy of impressive this season at 32-12. With Coach Bud and Giannis leading the way, it seems like the Bucks are in good hands, and the organization is finally in a competitive state. This season, they’re really trying to compete for a title. When it comes to competing for a championship and being remembered as a top team in the league, there are multiples steps in achieving such a bragging right. The Bucks aren’t as good as you think they are.
We can talk about how Giannis is having an MVP season. We can even say the Bucks haven’t played this well since Ray Allen and Michael Redd. However, I have many doubts about this team moving forward. Winning in the regular season is great. Every team should strive to win as many games as possible, but the season is a long, grueling, and challenging journey. It tests all 12 players on the roster, and it takes all 12 guys to buy into the bigger picture.
Now, the Bucks are 2-1 without Giannis. Although that’s a positive record and somewhat promising, can they keep winning without him? Honestly, if they were matched up against the Warriors, Raptors, Celtics, or even the Spurs could they win without Giannis? Probably not. And, even though they’ve gotten wins against some of those teams, they wouldn’t be able to do it consistently. I just don’t think that they can win consistently without Giannis, given their depth.
A rather young core also concerns me. This is especially the case when four vets in George Hill, Brook Lopez, Jason Smith, and Ersan Ilyasova don’t have the best playoff experience. The majority of that playoff push comes from veteran leadership. I don’t see that coming from those four guys when most of them haven’t experienced the NBA Finals.
Besides Giannis, Khris Middleton is the only other hope on the offensive end producing for this ball club this season and doing it at a high level, but after those two options, it gets worrisome. The following players remain.
Brook Lopez
He’s looking at the second stage of his career at 30 years old and has been bounced around the league since leaving Brooklyn. Lopez is having trouble finding his place in the league at the moment. Being a starter averaging only 12.1 points and 3.9 rebounds isn’t convincing me that Lopez can compete with other bigs around the league like Al Horford, Joel Embiid, and Serge Ibaka.
Eric Bledsoe
Bledsoe’s the guard that the Bucks settled for. When the ball isn’t in his hands I tend to wonder if he’s capable of stepping up and holding his own. He doesn’t look half bad on paper, but his decision-making and lack of leadership on the floor is constantly being picked up by the team. Don’t be surprised if George Hill ends up starting in place of him soon.
Malcolm Brogdon
Out of Lopez and Bledsoe, I have the most hope for Brogdon. He’s more than capable of giving you 16 and 10 some nights. My only concern with him is if he’s able to reach his potential. Will he continue to grow or become content with his current role in the lineup? He’s already playing out of position at the 2. I’d rather have him taking the ball up the floor than Bledsoe.
While the players are only half the concern when it comes to competing at a high level, I can’t help but think of Mike Budenholzer. Bud’s a great coach with a brilliant basketball mind. You’re probably wondering why I’m bringing him into the mix, right? Let’s take a ride in the past to the 2014-15 NBA season.
Coach Bud was with the Hawks, not a lot of expectations surrounded the organization. They ended with a 60-22 record, making them first seed in the East. 44 games in (Bucks 32-12 right now) the Hawks were 36-8 and already in first in the Eastern Conference. That 2014-15 NBA season resulted in Coach Bud being Coach of the Year – an award that he’s being considered for this season. History is repeating itself, and this season is only proof of it. Those Hawks were swept in the ECF by the Cavs, and then the team broke apart next season. I’m not saying the Bucks will do the same, but I’m having extreme Déjà vu.
When Giannis is leading the team in three of the five major statistical categories, the weight is extremely heavy on his shoulders, like LeBron was in Cleveland the first seven years of his career. In order for the Bucks to be competitive towards the end of the season (and into the playoffs), all 12 guys need to be buying in and accepting their role on the team. The concerns and doubts will still roam my mind as the season continues. When they can win games consistently without stars, get more help from the bench (currently 32.6 PPG), and develop more experience as a unit, I’ll be convinced they have what it takes to be competitive.
Think I’m wrong? Lets Debate @JMan_PerSources