The Milwaukee Bucks are entering the 2024-25 NBA season under a cloud of skepticism. Despite assembling a star duo in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, many around the league are unsure whether the Bucks can compete at the highest level.
With mounting concerns about injuries, aging players, and a lack of impactful offseason moves, the once-dominant team may face an uphill battle in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.
“It’s very easy to find people around the league who are like, it’s over. Just move on,” ESPN’s Zach Lowe remarked, adding that the challenges Milwaukee faces could force the franchise to start thinking about its future. “The ifs, and the age, just pile up to the point that it’s too big of a hill for a lot of the skeptics to climb.”
Milwaukee’s hopes for a deep playoff run last season were derailed when Antetokounmpo suffered a calf strain, and Lillard dealt with Achilles issues. As a result, the Bucks were unable to advance past the Indiana Pacers in the first round, marking a disappointing end to their campaign.
This offseason, injuries remain a significant concern for the team, particularly with Khris Middleton, who is recovering from surgeries on both ankles. Middleton was limited to just 55 games last season, and his health will be a crucial factor in the Bucks’ success.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Adding to these issues, the Bucks lost Malik Beasley, a key contributor who started 77 games last season. To fill the void, Milwaukee signed shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. to a one-year deal. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, who has a long-standing relationship with Trent’s family, pushed hard to bring him on board. While Trent adds youthful energy and shooting to the lineup, Milwaukee’s overall depth remains a question mark.
“We’re getting older. We’re not getting any younger, but that doesn’t mean we cannot still perform at a high level,” Antetokounmpo told ESPN. “It’s hard to say, ‘Yeah, we’re old, and you have to make changes.’ Because these guys, they’re beasts.”
Despite the doubts, Milwaukee is banking on continuity to help regain their championship form. With Antetokounmpo and Lillard now having a full offseason to work together, head coach Rivers is optimistic that the team can improve its chemistry and make a deeper playoff run. “Think about it: Giannis worked out all [last] summer not knowing he was going to have Dame,” Rivers said after last season. “Now all three of them [Antetokounmpo, Lillard, and Middleton] get to work out this summer knowing some of the things we’re going to do.”
General Manager Jon Horst also faced limitations in the offseason. With salary cap restrictions and limited draft picks, the Bucks focused on smaller moves, such as adding veterans Delon Wright and Taurean Prince to bolster their bench. Horst remains confident that the current core, combined with better health, can bring Milwaukee back into title contention.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
The Bucks are entering this season with one of the oldest rosters in the league, and the age factor has raised concerns about their ability to stay competitive. However, Antetokounmpo remains focused on the bigger picture. “I’m willing to put in work this summer. I think I have guys around me that are willing to do so,” he said. “I know they’re going to put in the work.”
While Milwaukee may not have made splashy moves in the offseason, they are banking on their stars and a healthier roster to lead them to a successful season. However, with the Eastern Conference growing stronger, the pressure will be on for the Bucks to prove their critics wrong.
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