Bucks Zone

Report asks if the Milwaukee Bucks are truly a championship-caliber team

This is a fair question to ask.

Jonas Panerio

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Despite their 37-21 record, the Milwaukee Bucks have not found their stride this season. With so many changes to the team's core—from changing owners to coaches and personnel—the Bucks have been walking on shaky ground since the season started. However, with the All-Star break behind them, some experts wonder if this could be the year the Bucks finally break through and reach the mountain's peak again.

Haven't recovered from the upset loss to the Miami Heat

According to Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz, the Bucks have yet to recover from their shocking loss to the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA Playoffs last year. The Bucks were flying high heading to the postseason, clinching the best record in the regular season. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo's back injury and Jimmy Butler's white-hot play led to a quick and unexpected exit for the Bucks. This loss has seemingly haunted them as they have struggled to find their footing this season.

"The Bucks have largely been a mess ever since the Miami Heat knocked them out of the first round of the 2023 playoffs. The Damian Lillard trade shocked the world—and was still the right move to make—although his acquisition has been one of many big changes for Milwaukee over the past nine months," Swartz wrote.

"From multiple coaching changes, an assistant coach quitting right before the season, a brand-new backcourt, new defensive schemes, and even change in ownership, the Bucks could really use some stability right now."

Can't count the Bucks out

Despite the ebbs and flows of the Bucks' performances, Giannis has been a constant force on the court. The two-time MVP has consistently put up impressive numbers, averaging over 30 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists per game.

"The good news is that Giannis Antetokounmpo is still one of the very best basketball players on the planet and should be extremely motivated to win a second title. Lillard is coming off a huge All-Star weekend and is perhaps the league's best No. 2, while Doc Rivers and staff have now had some time off to review the team's mistakes after going 3-7 during their past ten games," Swartz continued.

"This certainly hasn't looked like a championship-caliber team over the past few weeks, although we're not counting Antetokounmpo and company out just yet."

Giannis Antetokounmpo explains the differences between Doc Rivers and former coach Adrian Griffin

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO