2023-24 season: 49-33
The highlight of the season
Did the addition of Damian Lillard on September 27 make a difference? The Bucks have faced challenges throughout the season, and the transition from Adrian Griffin to Doc Rivers seemed to exacerbate their struggles.
The conclusion
The conclusion was marked by unmet expectations. The Bucks couldn't be blamed for the injuries to Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, especially with Giannis missing the entire postseason. However, in a results-driven environment, the Bucks fell short of the championship-level standards set after acquiring Lillard.
Questions arose about Lillard's compatibility with the Bucks, as the soon-to-be 34-year-old didn't showcase the same scoring prowess and efficiency as in previous seasons. Whether this was a temporary setback or a sign of ongoing issues remains uncertain. Yet, it's challenging to envision him replicating the stellar performance from his final year in Portland, where he averaged 32.2 points per game.
Compounding Milwaukee's concerns is Khris Middleton's health. The team's third star appeared in only 55 games, averaging 27 minutes per contest, a trend unlikely to improve as he enters his age-33 season next year.
The collective health setbacks of Milwaukee's star trio, along with the hiring of Rivers—who isn't renowned for fostering team cohesion—have transformed the Bucks, champions just three years prior, into a team fraught with uncertainty, a far cry from preseason expectations.
While a season with all three stars fully healthy could alter the franchise's trajectory, such optimism seems premature at this juncture.
Primary offseason requirement Consistently highlighted for the past two summers: infusion of youth. Aging remains a concern for the Bucks, with Marjon Beauchamp, Andre Jackson Jr., and A.J. Green—although talented—seen more as supplementary assets than foundational pillars. This complicates matters for a franchise aiming to extend its competitive window.
Organizational trajectory The initial Antetokounmpo-Lillard partnership didn't pan out as expected. Trading Jrue Holiday for Lillard proved to be a significant defensive setback, with an incompatible fit on both ends of the court leading to the dismissal of first-year coach Griffin. The midseason appointment of Rivers failed to address chemistry issues, aggravated further by an untimely injury to Antetokounmpo.
Despite optimism regarding Milwaukee's ability to revamp around Antetokounmpo and Lillard, there are constraints. With Brook Lopez, Lillard, and Middleton reaching ages 36, 34, and 33 next season, respectively, the Bucks have limited resources for defensive enhancements. Their foremost priority is ensuring neither Antetokounmpo nor Lillard seeks a trade before they can refine their partnership over the summer.
Projected draft picks (pre-lottery) Selections at Nos. 23 and 33.
Similar to the Suns, Milwaukee must utilize their first-round pick, having lacked one last year. While they can trade the chosen player afterward, prioritizing youth is prudent, making such a move less advisable.
Draft focus The Bucks can conveniently add pieces around Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Players like Kevin McCullar Jr. from Kansas and Tyler Kolek from Marquette, who excelled as top scoring options in college, could contribute immediately to an established team. Additionally, the prospect of pairing Antetokounmpo with Purdue's 7-4 star Zach Edey promises an intriguing frontcourt dynamic.
Primary offseason priority The predominant offseason focus for the past two summers has been the infusion of youth. Concerns persist over the Bucks' aging roster, as Marjon Beauchamp, Andre Jackson Jr., and A.J. Green, while talented, are viewed more as complementary pieces rather than foundational cornerstones. This poses a challenge for a franchise seeking to extend its competitive window.
Organizational trajectory The initial partnership between Antetokounmpo and Lillard did not yield the anticipated results. Swapping Jrue Holiday for Lillard resulted in a significant defensive setback, as their playing styles failed to mesh, leading to the dismissal of first-year coach Griffin. The midseason appointment of Rivers failed to resolve chemistry issues, exacerbated by an ill-timed injury to Antetokounmpo.
Despite optimism about Milwaukee's ability to restructure around Antetokounmpo and Lillard, there are limitations. With Brook Lopez, Lillard, and Middleton set to reach ages 36, 34, and 33 respectively next season, the Bucks face constraints in bolstering their defense. Their top priority is ensuring that neither Antetokounmpo nor Lillard seeks a trade before they can refine their partnership during the summer.
Projected draft picks (pre-lottery) The Bucks hold selections at Nos. 23 and 33.
Similar to the Suns, Milwaukee must make the most of their first-round pick, having lacked one last year. While they could potentially trade the chosen player afterward, emphasizing youth is wise, making such a move less advisable.
Draft focus The Bucks have the opportunity to add complementary pieces around Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Players such as Kevin McCullar Jr. from Kansas and Tyler Kolek from Marquette, who thrived as primary scoring options in college, could immediately contribute to an established team. Additionally, the potential pairing of Antetokounmpo with Purdue's 7-4 star Zach Edey offers an intriguing frontcourt dynamic.
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