Oct 28, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center
Greg Monroe(15) looks to shoot against New York Knicks center
Robin Lopez(8) during the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks and with good reason.
The Bucks boast one of the best young starting fives, on paper, in the Eastern Conference. Every player on the team is either at or above average for their position.
Much of the potential improvement this team may make this coming season will depend on how the new players like Greg Monroe fit in and just how much the young guys improve.
The Bucks invested a lot into getting Greg Monroe. He’s one of the league’s best rebounders on both sides of the floor and a solid low-post threat.
Too many times last season, the Bucks were unable to get easy baskets late in games when their plays broke down. With Monroe in the fold, the Bucks add a solid scorer who can get them baskets in late game situations.
In addition to his scoring and rebounding, Monroe is also a respectable distributor for a big. The Bucks liked to utilize Zaza Pachulia in high pick-and-roll situations last year, using him at the top of the key and allowing him to drive, pass, or shoot depending on the situation.
Monroe, much like Pachulia, is capable of hitting the mid-range shot and distributing the ball, similar to what Pachulia did last season. Thus, his skill set should fit seamlessly into what the Bucks already have.
The other key to the Bucks season will be the improvement of their young guys. Giannis Antetokounmpo is already a formidable player, capable of causing havoc on offense and defense.
In many ways, his play is similar to one of the best wings to ever play the game: Scottie Pippen.
If the Bucks are going to take the next step, Antetokounmpo will need to improve on his jump shot and his finishing around the basket.
This may not be the year that he takes the step from a solid contributor to star. However, some improvement must be made.
In addition to Antetokounmpo, the Bucks must also see improvement out of Michael Carter-Williams. Though he is a solid distributor and defender, Carter-Williams remains relatively limited on the offensive side of the game.
If the Bucks are going to contend with him at the helm, Carter-Williams must improve on his dismal three-point shot and cut back on his turnovers.
The key player, however, to the Bucks season is Khris Middleton. As the team is currently constructed, Middleton is the primary scoring option for the team.
He’s already an efficient knock-down shooter, and posted some of the best defensive numbers in the league last season. However, there is more to his game than simply being a three and d wing.
During the post-season and this pre-season, Middleton began to show flashes of a fade-away game, hitting difficult shots over smaller defenders. He’s also showed an ability to get the basket in an efficient manner.
If can do this on a more consistent basis this season, the Bucks may be looking at someone who’s more than just a role player. They could be looking at their own Jimmy Butler.
The x-factor, of course, is the health of Jabari Parker. Though he may not miss many games to start the season, it’s unlikely that he’ll be anywhere near peak physical shape upon his return.
If Parker can stay on the floor, he could provide the Bucks with a formidable offensive threat as the season progresses.
If everything goes well, he could begin to come into his own in March and April, just in time for the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The Bucks also possess a solid bench. John Henson provides the Bucks with a change of pace, functioning as one of the league’s better shot-blockers and rim protector. OJ Mayo and Greivis Vasquez also give the Bucks solid scorers and ball-handlers.
There’s a lot to like about the Milwaukee Bucks. If everything comes together, they could pose a threat earlier than anyone expects.
Record: 52-30
Next: 1st: Cleveland Cavaliers