Milwaukee Bucks: Constructing their ideal starting five after offseason

Starting power forward – Giannis Antetokounmpo

Whether Giannis Antetokounmpo inks his signature on the dotted line of a five-year supermax extension or not, he will be the starting power forward for the Bucks next season.

The Greek Freak is coming off a 2019-20 campaign where he won both league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors, and he is going to continue his ascension into stardom, hopefully with a rejuvenated jump shot.

Antetokounmpo has an opportunity next season to become just the fourth player to win three consecutive MVP trophies, the others being Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird. However, that is likely the last thing on his mind at this point.

Antetokounmpo’s last two MVP seasons have ended in postseason disappointment, and it is no secret that he has his eyes on the title above all else this time around. With a revamped supporting cast, it remains to be seen how far the Bucks can go with the 25-year-old at the helm, but he elevates them into the discussion as contenders.

Starting center – Brook Lopez

Now entering year three with the Bucks, Brook Lopez will continue to play a significant part in the team’s success on both ends of the floor. His presence on the defensive end helped propel Milwaukee’s league-leading defense last season, and his elite rim protection will be critical in maintaining that mark next season.

Offensively, his floor spacing capabilities make him a great fit next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of the Bucks’ stars. Although he took a substantial step backward last season shooting the ball as he shot a mere 31.4 percent from three, the size and floor spacing he provides makes the Bucks’ five-out system possible.

We saw Lopez find his shot down in the bubble and in the Bucks’ brief playoff run last season, so perhaps he can continue that rekindled effectiveness into this coming campaign.

With the season fast approaching and an open spot in the Bucks’ starting lineup, we’ll be paying attention to the training camp battles that will unfold over the next few weeks.