Milwaukee Bucks: 5 keys to challenging for a top-4 seed next season

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 13: A shot of the Milwaukee Bucks logo during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 13, 2015 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rocky Widner/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 13: A shot of the Milwaukee Bucks logo during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 13, 2015 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rocky Widner/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 27: K. Middleton
MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 27: K. Middleton /

Clean bill of health

Already facing up to the prospect of playing without Jabari Parker through to the All-Star break at least, the Bucks simply can’t afford to have any significant misfortune with injury in the coming season.

On the top of that list, they’ll be hoping to avoid any freak preseason injuries to key players, such as the one Khris Middleton suffered last year. Expanding upon that, Middleton’s own health and return to the top of his game is going to be integral to Milwaukee’s chances of success.

Going deeper through the rotation, the Bucks have a notable number of young players who are already going to be relied upon for major contributions, and they need their veterans to stay healthy around them to at least lighten the load those players will have to carry.

It goes without saying that even a short-term injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo would derail the Bucks’ season, but it’s equally important that the Greek Freak’s supporting cast avoid injuries to allow Milwaukee to gain momentum and grow in confidence as the year progresses.