Bucks Zone

Report calls the Milwaukee Bucks "overhyped"

Has the spotlight been shining too much on the Bucks?

Jonas Panerio

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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It’s easy to see why the spotlight has been on the Milwaukee Bucks for the last two weeks. After all, pairings between two top-tier superstars rarely happen in the NBA. And so, when seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard made his way to the Bucks to join two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the excitement around them was palpable. But a new report from Bleacher Report calls the Bucks “overhyped” and doubts whether their star-studded roster can live up to expectations.

The hype train is chugging along

The NBA world got turned on its head the moment news broke that Lillard was heading to Milwaukee to join Giannis and the rest of his talented crew. Talking heads couldn’t stop discussing the move while fellow NBA players chimed in with their own reactions.

Even diehard Bucks fans had to admit that the move changed the outlook of Milwaukee’s future, and the optimism was infectious. It seemed like everyone was on board for a new-look Bucks team that could challenge all challengers, including reigning champs Denver Nuggets, for top billing in the league.

“It's easy to see why the Milwaukee Bucks soared to the top of the title odds board immediately after acquiring Damian Lillard. They were quietly mediocre on offense last regular season, and they were flat-out bad on that end over the course of the last two postseasons. So plugging one of the absolute best offensive players in basketball into the starting point guard's spot makes plenty of sense,” Andy Bailey wrote.

Too early to tell

As imposing as the Bucks are on paper—the team still has All-Stars Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton—it may be too soon to pen them in for greatness. The fact is they have enough talent to emerge triumphant this upcoming season, but questions about their health and durability persist.

“Immediately anointing them to be better than the defending champions feels premature, though. Even in this era packed with player movement and roster turnover, continuity is important. In fact, its increasing rarity may make it even more important, and the Denver Nuggets have it,” Bailey added.

“There are also legitimate questions about Milwaukee's age and durability. Lillard is 33 and has struggled defensively throughout his prime. Giannis Antetokounmpo has averaged 63.5 appearances per season over the last four years. Khris Middleton is 32 and averaged 57.3 appearances per year over the same stretch. And Brook Lopez is 35 and had back surgery two years ago. If they all hold up, the Bucks could absolutely win it all, but it's far from a given.”

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO