Milwaukee Bucks should run it back this summer and retain core players

Core free agents got them there

Milwaukee was able to reach the heights of last season because of their entire team, especially the core three guys they have who are entering free agency now.

Khris Middleton made his first all-star appearance. Middleton played a critical role in Milwaukee’s 4-1 demolition of the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. He has been the Bucks go-to scorer behind their League MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, for much of the past three seasons. Even if his 2018-19 season wasn’t as consistent as past ones, Middleton was still a major contributor to their success because of his knock-down shooting (mainly in the playoffs), shot creation, facilitating, and ability to defend several positions well.

Malcolm Brogdon came back from a significant foot injury to become the Bucks’ second best player in the Eastern Conference Finals. He had just the eighth 50-40-90 season in NBA history, joining some very elite company. His elite knock-down shooting, ability to drive and finish inside, and his defensive effort on the perimeter, allowed the Bucks’ system to thrive on both ends.

Brook Lopez shattered the all-time record for three point shots made by a center in a single season in NBA history while playing All-NBA level defense. He’s become one of the most sought after things in the NBA: A stretch big who can knock down a high volume of threes while being an elite rim-protector.

Without any of these three players, Milwaukee would have never come close to becoming the team they were this past season. All three guys were essential cogs in the team.

They stretched the floor and knocked down open shots at an elite rate in most games. They created their own offense when called upon to do so. All three made the Bucks’ defensive unit into the top defense and rebounding unit in the NBA. They were the ideal players to complement Antetokounmpo and work in Coach Mike Budenholzer’s system.