Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 112-96 Game 7 loss to Boston Celtics

Questions surrounding Bledsoe and Parker

It feels weird to write an entire takeaways piece without featuring Giannis, but he is the constant among the other questions swirling about the Bucks. We know he is a superstar, and will continue to get better. We learned more from Bledsoe and Parker’s performances in Game 7 and in the series as a whole.

Bledsoe had his best performance of the series by far in the final game. He was great, attacking the rim and using his strong physique to carve out space and finish. He made 9-of-12 shots for 23 points.

Based purely on his on-the-court play, this game points in the positive direction for Bledsoe and his value. However, his play was overshadowed by Rozier outperforming him with 26 points and nine assists.

In particular, Rozier stole the ball from Bledsoe who had casually regained his dribble, prompting chants from the Boston crowd of “Who is Bledsoe?” in reference to Bledsoe pretending not to know who Rozier was. A couple minutes later, Bledsoe exited with five minutes in the fourth quarter remaining and the Bucks down 101-82.

Bledsoe’s strong effort was not enough to redeem his reputation, with his embarrassing exit in the series as disheartening as his entrance of just nine points in Game 1.

Who is Bledsoe? The Bucks will find out next season and hope for a different Bledsoe than this year’s playoffs Bledsoe. Bledsoe is an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

Who is Parker? The Bucks will need to answer that question this offseason, and decide whether to retain him or let him walk.

Parker looked unplayable in the first two games, not just performing poorly but looking lackluster on the court. He bounced back to provide useful scoring off the bench in Games 3-5. He played maybe the best defensive basketball of his life in the first half of Game 4, before showing the same problems he’s always had in the second half.

In Game 7, Parker was a non-factor, making positive contributions but also negative contributions. He got toasted on defense by fellow former Duke Blue Devil Jayson Tatum. He made some shots on offense but did not make his imprint felt, scoring nine points.

Not all of that is on him. The Bucks have prioritized Giannis, Middleton, and Bledsoe, and rightfully so given their abilities, and Parker’s recovery from injury. But the fact is he does not fit in the current Bucks team and timeline.

At this point in time, it does not make sense to build an offense around Jabari Parker, nor does it seem like he is a valuable player playing a lower usage role. Parker is a restricted free agent this offseason.

Next: Win In 6 Podcast #213: Do-or-die in Boston

The Bucks have concluded their 2017-2018 season, and now turn their focus towards the draft on June 21, and free agency to follow.