The Milwaukee Bucks shook the NBA world on Wednesday afternoon when they traded for Damian Lillard. The seven-time All-Star wanted to leave Portland, but few believed the Bucks had the assets to pull off the deal. They had to part with Jrue Holiday, but Dame is one of the league’s best scorers and a top 75 player in NBA history. Milwaukee increased their championship odds and proved to Giannis Antetokounmpo that they are all-in.
The Bucks were forced to give up two starters plus an unprotected first-round draft pick in 2029 and two first-round swaps. It was a hefty price to pay, but that is what teams do when building around one of the best players in the world. Dame solves the Bucks’ late-game offensive woes and makes Milwaukee the most feared team in the league.
Giving up multiple players for Dame hurt the Bucks’ depth, left them over the second tax apron, and without a first-round draft pick to trade. Milwaukee created a few holes on their roster, and they could come back to bite them in this championship or bust season.
Holes Milwaukee Bucks must fill to win the title in 2024
3. Backup point guard
Damian Lillard averages over 36 minutes per game for his career, but the Bucks need someone running the offense when he heads to the bench. The duties will fall on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, but having another player who can create for others would be preferred.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports linked the Bucks to Cameron Payne to fill their backup point guard void. George Hill, Ish Smith, and Goran Dragic all remain free agents as well. It is not the best group, but Milwaukee is just looking for someone who can keep things rolling for 12 minutes each night.
The Milwaukee Bucks have larger issues to tackle, but getting a backup point guard to round out their rotation should be on general manager Jon Horst’s to-do list.
2. Upgrade at the two
The Bucks have four starters penciled in and an open competition for the fifth. Damian Lillard will join Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez in the Bucks opening group. They are likely the best top four in the league but need a strong option to round things out.
Grayson Allen was the starting shooting guard last season, but he was sent to Phoenix in the three-team deal. Who replaces the 6’4 sharpshooter?
They signed Malik Beasley this summer, but he has started just 45 of his 160 games played over the last two seasons. Pat Connaughton, MarJon Beauchamp, and Jae Crowder all return and could be in line for more minutes.
Beasley is likely the favorite, but he is more of an offense-first option, which the Bucks do not need with three elite scorers on the floor. Connaughton and Crowder offer more defense, but both have inconsistent jumpers and could slow down the offense if they are not falling.
Bobby Portis is also an option if Milwaukee wants to play big. The fit next to Giannis and Lopez has not worked well in the past, but new head coach Adrian Griffin can experiment with that look during the season.
The Milwaukee Bucks have depth, but it feels like their fifth starter options are all best suited in bench roles. Can they upgrade at the two to round out their rotation? It is a hole that may need to be plugged before the playoffs.
1. Defensive-minded wing
Damian Lillard is an upgrade over Jrue Holiday, but the former Buck is a superior defender. Holiday earned his third first-time All-Defensive honors last season and made his second All-Star appearance. The 6’5 guard is a pesky defender who often draws praise from opposing players as the best perimeter stopper in the NBA.
Lillard is a straight bucket but has defensive issues. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez make up the best backline in basketball, but the Bucks may struggle to defend on the perimeter.
Khris Middleton is a plus option, but Milwaukee does not want to wear him down by asking him to take on the opposition’s best scorer over the full 82-game regular season slate.
The Bucks should be searching for a perimeter stopper. Preferably someone who can handle minutes on the wing and knockdown 35-plus percent from 3-point range. Milwaukee’s avenues to acquire such a player are limited, but the Bucks will try everything possible.
The Milwaukee Bucks made a bold move by trading for Damian Lillard. They are primed to be in title contention again and are eager to get Giannis Antetokounmpo his second ring. How will Dame and the Greek Freak work? Can the front office find the last needed pieces to help them get over the mountain? Stay tuned to find out.
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