4 Essential moves for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2023 NBA offseason
By Franco Luna
No. 4 – The Milwaukee Bucks need to shake up the system this offseason.
Technically, the Bucks have already done this with the firing of Mike Budenholzer. After years of playoff disappointment, it was simply time for a change, even despite the championship in 2021.
One reason new head coach Adrian Griffin would work out well is his history of developing wings. This might mean increased opportunities up and down the roster and could bode well for guys like MarJon Beauchamp and A.J. Green.
Griffin is also a better defensive coach. Though their personnel had more to do with it than their system, the Bucks’ defense was a major weakness in the playoffs because of how unadaptable it is. After years of strictly adhering to drop coverage, a new tactician at the helm might help the Bucks to improve their defense, which will be essential if they want to win a championship.
Terry Stotts, who just recently signed on to be one of Griffin’s lead assistants, has nearly 20 years of experience as an NBA head coach, including nine seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. He has a winning record in the regular season and has made the playoffs eight times. This experience will be invaluable to Adrian Griffin, who is a first-time head coach.
Stotts has also long been known for his offensive-minded coaching style. He has a reputation for developing and utilizing shooters, and his teams have consistently ranked among the league leaders in scoring.
Shaking up the system also means committing to development for young guys moving forward. The Bucks desperately need youth, and this writer is of the opinion that they should use their pick in the upcoming draft to take on the most NBA-ready talent available.
If the Milwaukee Bucks can make these essential moves, they will be a contender again next season. They have a great core of players in Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Holiday, and they have a good coach in Mike Budenholzer. With a few more pieces, the Bucks can be a championship team again.
There are no easy answers for this Bucks team moving forward, but whatever direction the Milwaukee Bucks go in, they’ll have to commit to it wholeheartedly.
Next. Assessing Bleacher Report’s foul Kenrich Williams trade for the Bucks. dark
Stay tuned for more Bucks analysis as the offseason begins.