Despite being on the winning side of a huge blockbuster trade this summer, not everyone is sold on the new-look Bucks as the title favorites going into this season In fact, according to one scout, Milwaukee could really struggle to handle a few teams in the East, including the Knicks, Cavaliers, and the Indiana Pacers.
“That lack of athleticism will be a problem in the playoffs,” the scout told Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix. “Because Boston’s pretty athletic just because of [Jayson] Tatum and [Jaylen] Brown… They would probably match up poorly with Cleveland. I also could see Milwaukee struggling more with the Detroits of the world. The Pacers are going to be a real thorn in that team’s side.”
To think that the Bucks will struggle against the Detroit Pistons, who finished 15th in the East last season, seems like a major stretch but it’s been a growing sentiment around the league. The thinking for some is that the loss of Jrue Holiday’s perimeter defense will be too much for the Bucks to overcome. And while Giannis and Lillard seem confident after their first taste of action together, there is no denying the potential flaws their partnership brings.
Are The Bucks Overrated?
Between Lillard’s amazing shooting and Giannis’ dominance on the interior, there is no question that Milwaukee will be a force to fear for teams in the East. And, yet, they are far from unbeatable as presently constructed. Without Lillard replaced for Jrue Holiday, the entire identity of the Bucks will change and it remains to be seen if guys like Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, and Bobby Portis can pick up the slack defensively and make up for what Lillard lacks in that area.
Even on offense, there are questions about how the Bucks will work As the point guard, Damian Lillard will likely have the ball in his hands the most, but Giannis has always felt more comfortable as the one running the show. Finding that balance will be a major adjustment for both Lillard and Antetokounmpo, and there’s no guarantee that they’ll figure it out this season.
Eastern Conference Will Be Unforgiving This Season
After years of being the “weak” side of the bracket, the East is finally starting to make up ground in the NBA arms race. At the top of the list are the Bucks, who finally went all-in to bring a superstar next to Giannis. Of course, there’s also the Miami Heat, who seem to always find a way to win when it matters the most.
Out of all the teams to challenge Milwaukee, however, the Celtics are the team that poses the biggest threat. In the aftermath of another Conference Finals run, Boston added to their core of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown by trading for Kristaps Porzingis and former Bucks guard Jrue Holiday. So, for the new-look Bucks, there are plenty of obstacles in their path to the Larry O’Brien trophy this season and if the anonymous scout is correct, then even mid-level playoff teams could give them a tough time.
Ultimately, we won’t know until the real games begin how the NBA’s newest star duo plays together, but it’s clear that faith is split on their chances for success this season and the bar is already so high given what they pulled off in the Finals just a few years ago.
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