The Milwaukee Bucks are coming together
It’s time to fear the deer.
The Milwaukee Bucks are not quite there as a true NBA Finals contender yet, but they are certainly poised to make noise in the postseason. After acquiring Michael Carter-Williams at the cost of Brandon Knight, head coach Jason Kidd has one of the longest rosters in the league with ample upside.
Milwaukee, sitting 32-27 and sixth in the Eastern Conference, could play a range of teams in the first round including the Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers. Beating Cleveland and Chicago would be a monumental task, although Toronto is a possible upset alert.
Consider this: the Bucks were pathetic in 2014, finishing an NBA-worst 15-67. With a little luck, Milwaukee could improve by a whopping 30 games. The lousy campaign earned the Bucks a chance to draft Duke superstar Jabari Parker. Parker looked promising player general manager John Hammond envisioned before tearing his ACL, averaging 12.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Parker is not the only young sensation making his presence known in Wisconsin. Giannis Antetokounmpo is only 20 years old and in his second season is rapidly becoming a star. Known as the Greek Freak, Antetokounmpo is an insanely rangy defender who can penetrate the paint at a lanky 6’11 and 217 pounds.
The best news of all is Milwaukee’s financial situation. The Bucks are committed to $50 million in salary next year, but only $5 million for 2016/17. Assuming some obvious options are picked up, Hammond will have the chance to acquire a couple major pieces should he decide to exercise patience. In the meantime, Kidd can continue to coach the young core of Khris Middleton, Parker, Carter-Williams and Antetokounmpo while LeBron James begins to slowly decline with the Cavaliers.
This year, Milwaukee’s goal should simply be to steadily improve and perhaps advance a round into the playoffs. Experience in sports is essential, especially in the NBA. Very rare is the great team that did not take some lumps in the early development process. However, over time, they begin to advance and grow together, acquiring the traits necessary to become a champion.
It would be almost impossible for the Bucks to fall below the sixth seed. They could move into the fifth seed should the Washington Wizards continue to crater. Milwaukee is 1.5 games behind the Wizards and only a game in the loss column.
For today, the Bucks are not in the elite of the NBA. The Cavaliers and Bulls are the class of the East along with the Atlanta Hawks, who quietly are putting together one of the most stunning campaigns in recent memory. Milwaukee has more talent to find and develop, but the future is bright for the first time since the days of Ray Allen and Sam Cassell.
Fear the deer.
