Milwaukee Bucks: 3 bold predictions for the defending champs in 2021-22

Had someone said before the 2020-21 season that the Milwaukee Bucks would win the title that season, it would have been the boldest of predictions.

Well, anyone that felt like taking a gamble before the season and placed their bet on the Bucks to win the championship earned a few extra dollars. As bold as it seemed before the season to think that this team could become world champions after two consecutive years of failure, they defied the odds and ended their 50-year title drought after a year full of twists and turns.

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After winning an NBA title, no prediction is too bold for the Bucks as they prepare to defend their crown as world champions, with the 2021-22 season approaching right around the corner. This team is on top of the world right now, and there will be 29 other teams looking to knock them off that pedestal next season.

As the Bucks aim to replicate their success heading into next season, here are three bold predictions for the 2021-22 squad.

Bold prediction No. 1 — The Milwaukee Bucks will get a career year from their starting shooting guard in 2021-22

The biggest talking point for the Bucks this offseason has revolved around who their starting shooting guard will be on the opening night of the 2021-22 season.

The two most logical options are Donte DiVincenzo and Grayson Allen, with both players posing interesting cases to crack the starting five. Ultimately, it could come down to health as DiVincenzo – Milwaukee’s starting two-guard last season – went down with an injury in the postseason and had to get season-ending surgery. If he is recovered, he will likely reclaim his starting spot, but if not, then it will likely be Allen. Whichever player ultimately gets the nod, they are poised to take a massive leap with the Bucks in the 2021-22 season.

For DiVincenzo, the guard took massive strides in his first season as a full-time starter last year, putting up career-highs in several categories. If healthy and back in that role, DiVincenzo could certainly see his production increase once again and shatter his previous career bests. He has already shown significant improvement with his shooting and rebounding, as well as taking on more reputable assignments defensively. With another year as a starter under his belt, he could quietly be in the running for Most Improved Player if all breaks right for him.

As for Allen, he was arguably the team’s best addition this offseason after they brought him over in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Due to the uncertain healthy of DiVincenzo, Allen gives the team a ready-made starter that can fill the void if needed. The guard is a strong outside shooter, which should help him fit right in. Playing in this system could help him reach new heights on the offensive end, especially playing alongside these other starters. Steadily improving throughout his first three seasons in the league, Allen could continue that trend with the Bucks in 2021-22.