The Milwaukee Bucks‘ NBA 2024-25 preview arrives. Data, results from the previous season, a look at their squad and their future free agents, the objectives of the course, the player to follow and a prediction about the franchise.
Milwaukee Bucks
- Balance 2023-24: 49-33 (3rd in the East; qualified for playoffs)
- Coach: Doc Rivers (2nd season on the bench)
- Top free agents in 2025: Brook Lopez and Taurean Prince.
The template
- Movements in the market: signings of Gary Tren Jr. and Delon Wright.
- Backcourt: Damian Lillard, Pat Connaughton, Terence Davis, A.J. Green. A.J. Johnson, Andre Jackson Jr., Gary Trent Jr. y Delon Wright.
- Frontcourt: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, Taurean Prince, Taylor Smith and Chris Livingston.
This is how they face the season
Forced to win. It may sound a bit exaggerated, but that’s how it is. When a year ago they closed the arrival of Damian Lillard, via transfer, they were placed as one of the favorites to win the ring; However, such consideration quickly sank after seeing what happened on the floor night after night. The Bucks’ defense was horrible (the 19th worst in the League) and to alleviate this deficit they changed coaches with the hiring of Doc Rivers. Did it serve any purpose? No.
Despite the efforts of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the classic ‘in the playoffs they will give their true level’, they fell in the first round of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers; yes indeed, The Greek Freak He was only able to play three of the postseason games. It was a failure, but not an unexpected one. Since winning the ring in 2021, those from Wisconsin have only made it through one playoff tie. Exactly, they seem to have missed their chance.
We leave it at that because there is no shortage of arguments to believe in them for the 2024-25 NBA campaign. To begin with, Giannis has experienced physical problems in recent years, so taking a step forward in this direction is a very real option. Furthermore, the Lillard we will meet this time will be a much more focused one. At the end of last season, he assured that his desire was to play in Miami and that he suddenly found himself in Milwaukee without his family; What’s more, he assures that it is the year he has had the worst time in the League. More clearly: both must be much better and, if that happens, there is no lack of reason for hope – doubts either.
With the Bucks you have to use too much ‘what if…’. We have already listed two, and perhaps they are the simplest, since if we continue analyzing the essential pieces of the squad we find a Khris Middleton whose physical condition is surrounded by more than just parentheses. If in the last two years he has already been able to play little, this is compounded by the fact that in this period between seasons he has had surgery on both ankles. There are those who will say that it is good news because this way he arrives in top form for the regular season, but rather it seems like another warning with red lights that his best level will never return.
Out of that equation we could leave Brook Lopez. Maybe the center The 36-year-old is the one who has remained the healthiest in recent times, which has led him to maintain a similar level (and statistics) for several years. Basically we can say that you can always count on him, but you also cannot trust everything to the fact that this scenario will not change.
A conscious Lillard
Without a doubt it is the greatest incentive to know if these Bucks are really a contender. Due to salaries and stars, they are obliged to be in the fight, but for such a scenario to be real they undoubtedly need Damian Lillard to return to his full strength, and last season he looked really uncomfortable except in very specific moments.
But we already know what he is capable of. He is 34 years old, yes, but he is perhaps facing his last opportunity to truly shine in the playoffs. He left Portland to fight for a championship, to chase the ring… and he’s going for it. We already said it. For him, the 2023-24 season was a shock and for 2024-25 he is ready to hit the table. If he can mix his talent with the power that Antetokounmpo displays on the court, the Bucks will have a real chance.
Strengthening the second unit
We already mentioned that Milwaukee’s defense last year was a horror at times. Going out with Malik Beasley as the starting shooting guard opened the door wide to rivals – it is not that Lillard dies by avoiding rival baskets – and in this last summer transfer market they have alleviated it with two interesting moves, since they have incorporated Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince.
Far from being offensive specialists – and Trent hits shots like almost no one else from the three-point line – we are talking about two players close to what is a 3&D and therefore can give the Wisconsin team an important change in their appearance on the track. More physicality, more dedication, more fight… They missed a lot of that last year – not counting Bobby Portis – and with reinforcements like this they should be tougher every time they take to the hardwood.
Explosion risk
Milwaukee’s ceiling is very high, but its floor can also be seen from quite a distance. Looking ahead to the campaign that begins shortly, it is just as possible that they will be a dominant team as one that will explode. Many personalities – starting with Rivers –, egos, pressure… For them to start with good results and establish the project will be essential, especially since their only option to compete in the next three years is to trust that this turns out well. Are you ready for the second chapter of the Giannis-Lillard duo? Because anything can happen.
The player to watch
Gary Trent Jr.. We insist on him. It is clear that he is not the most spectacular player in the world, but his ability to open the court through an excellent catch & shoot, in addition to being a good defender, should make his role in Doc Rivers’ scheme essential. It does not depend on him whether the team wins or loses games – that pressure is for others – but he can make the entire group work end up having a much better result. It is that X factor that the Bucks need so much to work to truly aspire to fight with the best: Celtics, Knicks, 76ers…
NBA Preview 2024-25 Bucks, the forecast
Milwaukee should have a smooth regular season. Pieces have to qualify directly for the playoffs, and even access the first round with home field advantage. From there, everything will depend on the chemistry and play they have generated during 82 games. If the mix works and the injuries respect them, they are a team that must face any rival looking them in the face.
- Balance: between 53 and 58 victories.
- Position: 3rd in the East, enters the playoffs.
- The maximum they aspire to: get the ring.
- If things go wrong: possible breakdown of the project.
Previous team: Cleveland Cavaliers. Next team: Milwaukee Bucks.
(Cover photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
