Are the Milwaukee Bucks true contenders?
After winning it all in 2021 against Phoenix, the Milwaukee Bucks have found it hard to replicate their past successes.
After a second-round loss to the Celtics and being bounced by the Heat and Pacers in back-to-back seasons in the first round, even after their acquisition of Damien Lillard last year, the atmosphere is bleak for fans of the Cream City team.
Despite this, having a former two-time MVP and DPOY in his late prime, and another superstar-level player (although much older in this case) must help a team in some way, since the Bucks still hold the 5 seed in the eastern conference, with a record of 31–24. While the record does not really scream contenders, the Bucks do have some things looking up for them this year, with both Dame and Giannis still All-Stars this year, which a lot of teams cannot say they have (maybe the Lakers). Moreover, despite being sleepers to win it all, and amid ceaseless trade rumors the Bucks also won the In-Season Tournament this year, of which Giannis was the MVP.
Traditionally, the Bucks are a good team in the regular season, regularly being a part of the top 3 teams in the Eastern Conference for the last 6 seasons. However, changing their coach mid-season last year, their defense taking a hit due to Dame (he is not all that good of a defender) and also injuries to both Giannis and Dame last year can all be attributed to why the Bucks were not able to make it deep in the playoffs last year.
So, are the Bucks real contenders?
This year in particular, Milwaukee will have some tough competition in the East, with the Cavs, Celtics and Knicks all looking to make deep playoff runs. The Pacers too will be tough opponents, making it all the way to the ECF last year. The Magic and Pistons seem to be emerging and will be looking to make the playoffs this year, led respectively by Paolo Banchero and Cade Cunningham, to potentially take the leap into superstardom.
So despite additions like KPJ and Kyle Kuzma right before the trade deadline, and ensuring their star players remain healthy, there are still concerns about Milwaukee’s age, and defense, and how Doc Rivers can steer them through a competitive postseason, which is why I must conclude that the Bucks are not contenders.
P.S: Huge shout out to Mac McClung for his stellar three-peat, and saving the dunk contest once more. Probably the best part of All-Star Weekend (the three-point contest being a close second)
