Opening night of the NBA season when the Milwaukee Bucks received their championship rings seems like ages ago. That night was a beautiful night of basketball for many reasons.
Not only did the Bucks raise their championship banner, but it was the last and only time this season they had a fully healthy roster. It was also the only time all season they have had their starting five on the court. That’s right, one game all season so far. Eventually, that will take a toll on the roster, specifically the role players who are asked to contribute and do more than they are capable of producing.
On the other hand, injuries are a part of the game and must be handled and dealt with accordingly. With a 6-8 record after last night’s brutal loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee’s front office and coaching staff have failed to do so.
Coming off a five-game road trip, which will be their longest of the season, the Bucks looked tired and were outhustled and outcoached once again. Maybe it’s still too early in the season, but the Bucks lack a certain hunger. Not to overreact, as we have become spoiled the past three seasons with the Bucks’ domination of most teams. We are not used to the Bucks being under .500 at any point of the season, even if it is only 14 games in.
What’s wrong with the Milwaukee Bucks amidst their 6-8 start?
It is painfully evident how much the Bucks miss center Brook Lopez. He is such a superior rim protector and changes the overall defense in so many ways. Without him, there is pretty much zero rim protection on a nightly basis. There is only so much the Bucks can continue to play Giannis Antetokounmpo at the five spot. It is wearing him down physically. There is only so much he can do protecting the rim and in the paint.
The Bucks are just way too small without Lopez and Giannis on the floor. Bobby Portis at the center spot is not working, as he is not a true rim protector and is just an average defender. Without a true backup center, or at least until Lopez returns, these easily winnable games that we’ve all become accustomed to seem to have become a thing of the past. The Bucks continue to get out-rebounded badly, specifically on the offensive end.
Mike Budenholzer continues to draw the ire of many fans, and rightfully so. His lack of awareness and in-game adjustments on the fly continues to be his downfall. Whether it is him being just too stubborn, as he usually is, or him and general manager Jon Horst realizing that they don’t have the necessary personnel to make up for Lopez being out, something eventually has to give.
When looking at the Bucks roster, there is no true seven-foot backup center. Semi Ojeleye is 6’6″, and although he’s a solid rebounder and overall good defensive player, he cannot protect the rim and guard the paint like Lopez. Then again, nobody on this roster can even come close. Yet, for some reason, Budenholzer continues to play undersized players down low in the paint against the opponents’ big men.
Budenhozler continues to stick with the same game plan game after game after game. He has done this his entire coaching career. We all know what the definition of insanity is. Doing the same thing over and over again. This is what has been and continues to be frustrating for Bucks fans. Whoever he decides to protect the rim (other than Giannis) seems to be being coached by him to their weaknesses and not strengths.
Make no mistake about it, the loss of Khris Middleton also disrupts the flow of the offense and is a major key piece missing. That is a given. Without Middleton, more of the offense should be run through Grayson Allen. More plays need to be designed for him and his sharpshooting. Allen has heated up and has become the 3-point shooter Bucks fans expected him to be. Against Atlanta, he only attempted 11 field goals. With Middleton out, he should be taking in the range of 15 shots per night at least. He should also be logging 35 minutes per night at least.
The on-ball defense on this team right now is not good at all. Again, with Middleton and Lopez back and in full form, hopefully this will change and revert back to the Bucks from the past two seasons. There is just way too much inside penetration through the lane without Lopez. Opposing teams are aware of this and are clearly taking advantage of such.
It’s not time to hit the panic button yet, but it is clear that the Bucks need to address the major hole at the center position without Lopez for the foreseeable future. This team needs a backup big in the worst way to log 10-15 minutes per night, rebound, and protect the rim.
Although this might be easier said than done, as there aren’t a plethora of free agent options available, perhaps Horst will have to pull the trigger and make a trade at some point.
There is only so long that fans can use injuries as an excuse. This team is in need of some wins, specifically a long winning streak to get back to being the Milwaukee Bucks we know.
This cannot continue up until the halfway point of the season. Not that it necessarily will, but if things continue to go this way until the team is at 100 percent full health, then it just might be too late for the Milwaukee Bucks.