The Milwaukee Bucks have started the season off 27-4, currently the best record in the league. With numerous injuries and rough patches throughout the year, the lack of egos on the team has helped lift them through the adversity.
This Milwaukee Bucks team revolves around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, but you’ll never hear him take the credit for team success. Whether the reigning MVP scores 50 points or 10, he will always give the highest praise to his teammates. This team-first mentality isn’t just for Antetokounmpo but flows throughout the entire team.
After a massive Bucks’ win versus the New York Knicks on December 2, forward D.J. Wilson shared some words about his teammates following a career night with 19 points.
"“Everybody loves one another, and we play for one another. I think it speaks volumes to how we play and how we celebrate one another on and off the court. I don’t think there is anything fake about it.”"
This quote is spot on, as chemistry on this team looks like they’ve been playing together their entire careers.
This Milwaukee team is deep and has done a great job surrounding Antetokounmpo with a mix of experienced veteran players along with several young players. Bringing in proven veterans such as Kyle Korver, Wesley Matthews, and Robin Lopez on minimum or near-minimum contracts this offseason has shown they are willing to sacrifice to help a team like Milwaukee succeed.
They could have likely gone elsewhere and earned more money along with playing time, but with something special brewing in Milwaukee, their lack of selfishness is to thank. This trio have been superb additions to the team’s core, and the Bucks would not be as successful without them.
The same goes for the group of players that have their minutes staggered, but are always ready for the call off the bench. Players such as Pat Connaughton, Wilson, and Dragan Bender have all produced well when given playing time, but with a somewhat fixed rotation at the moment, it becomes hard to find solid minutes. You’ll never hear about dissatisfaction from any players though, as they are willing to do what is necessary for their team. When their opportunity comes, each player will take advantage of it.
When it comes to injuries, the Milwaukee Bucks have had their share of scares this season. First was Khris Middleton, who missed seven games with a right thigh contusion, and now Eric Bledsoe, who is in the middle of a two-week absence due to a fibula avulsion fracture. However, the Bucks are currently 11-1 in games that those two have not played in because of injury.
A considerable part of this is the team’s excellent depth, but also the development of second-year guard Donte DiVincenzo, in particular. After an injury-riddled rookie season, the sophomore has been playing fantastic. DiVincenzo has been in the starting lineup while both Middleton and Bledsoe have sat out, and he has impressed with increased playing time. Able to score at will, the 22-year-old has shown progression in his playmaking, scoring abilities, and all around game.
A move like this might raise concern that the veteran George Hill would be unhappy as he has more experience in a starting position. The 33-year-old has been a starter for nearly all of his career but has been flourishing in the new role of leading the Bucks’ second unit. Coming off the bench, Hill is averaging 10.3 points on 54.5 percent from the field and a league-best 51.6 percent from deep.
However, that is exactly why he continues to come off the bench. Like every player on this team, both guards have a role to play. Sliding DiVincenzo into the lineup allows his confidence to grow with more playing time as the young guy, while also allowing Hill to continue to thrive off the bench as the Sixth Man. This example is the perfect one to showcase just how powerful this team’s mindset is and their willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed.
This Milwaukee Bucks team may be full of an assortment of different players, but they all have the same goal in mind, to bring a championship back to the city.
Whether it be for 48 minutes, 5 minutes, or no minutes at all, everyone on this team plays a different role, and they understand it. With this team-first mentality making its way around the group, there is no limit to what they can accomplish. Regardless of what role is played, the lack of egos is to thank for the team’s current league best record.