The Milwaukee Bucks are projected to be even better next season

Can the Milwaukee Bucks live up to their lofty standards next season?

© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Despite their catastrophic first-round loss in the NBA Playoffs this past season, the Milwaukee Bucks aren’t expected to go anywhere. As a matter of fact, Dan Favale of the Bleacher Report projects that the Bucks are going to be even better during the 2023-2024 season. Considering the Bucks ended last season with the best record in the regular season, this is a bold statement.

Championship standard

There was initial concern about the statuses of Middleton and Lopez, considering both were unrestricted free agents. However, the two All-Stars laid all worries to rest when they signed new contracts with the Bucks, thereby keeping the Bucks’ title-winning core intact for a few more seasons.

“Keeping Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton doesn't make the Milwaukee Bucks better, but it preserves their championship standard. Also: It might make them better,” Favale wrote.

Middleton played in just 33 games last season due to various injuries. However, a healthy offseason has many expecting him to regain his fine form in 2023-2024. Lopez, on the other hand, has seemingly found the “fountain of youth” as he contended for the Defensive Player of the Year plum despite being 35 years of age.

Subtle additions

Add to that the re-signing of tough-as-nails forward Jae Crowder, who will have a clearer path to rotation minutes this coming season, and the acquisition of sharpshooter Malik Beasley, and the Bucks appear to have added just enough pieces to make them a more complete team.

“Jevon Carter's exit hurts, but it'd hurt more if he provided secondary playmaking. Joe Ingles' departure is more afterthought than crushing blow. Retaining Jae Crowder and stealing Malik Beasley on minimum deals are gigantic victories. Crowder has a clearer roadmap to minutes next season. Beasley can really sling it when he gets going,” Favale added.