The Milwaukee Bucks entered the 2024-25 season with championship aspirations, but the first half of the year has been anything but smooth.
Between defensive struggles, inconsistent rotations and injuries, Doc Rivers finds himself at a crucial juncture as the team heads into the All-Star break. With the Eastern Conference race tightening, adjustments must be made by Rivers if the Bucks are to position themselves as serious contenders in the NBA Playoffs. Here are a few.
1. Fixing the defensive issues
One of the biggest disappointments of the Milwaukee Bucks' season so far has been their overall defense, specifically the last 10 games heading into the All-Star break. A team that once prided itself on being an elite defensive unit, has looked vulnerable, especially in transition and against pick-and-roll-heavy teams. Doc Rivers and his coaching staff must address the following.
Stronger point-of-attack defense: Opposing guards have had way too much success penetrating the Bucks’ defense, which has put plenty of pressure on an aging Brook Lopez and an inconsistent Giannis Antetokounmpo-led backline, although Giannis has missed the past six straight games due to a strained calf. Whether that means giving more minutes to younger, quicker defenders such as Jericho Sims or adjusting how the team fights over screens, Rivers must find a way to contain perimeter threats.
Defensive consistency from Damian Lillard: While Lillard has never been a strong defender, Rivers needs to ensure he isn’t a liability. Better help defense schemes and strategic matchups could minimize the damage.
More aggressive schemes: Rivers has largely stuck to drop coverage with Brook Lopez, but that may need to change against certain matchups. More switching or hedge-and-recover tactics could help against teams that exploit Milwaukee’s defensive tendencies.
2. Balancing the offense between Antetokounmpo and Lillard
The Milwaukee Bucks’ offense, while potent at times this season, has yet to reach its full potential. The balance between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard remains a work in progress. Here’s how Rivers can optimize their dynamic.
Better late-game execution: The Bucks have struggled in clutch situations, often looking stagnant and predictable. Instead of solely relying on Lillard isolations or Giannis forcing drives, Rivers must implement more structured sets that maximize their strengths together.
More off-ball movement for Lillard: Too often, Lillard either has the ball in his hands or is standing on the perimeter waiting for a catch-and-shoot opportunity. More off-ball actions—such as staggered screens and handoffs—could make him a bigger threat even when he isn’t initiating.
Utilizing Giannis as a roller more frequently: Giannis operating as a primary ball-handler is effective, but he’s arguably at his most unstoppable when used as a screener and roller alongside Lillard. Creating more opportunities for Giannis to get downhill without having to initiate everything could make the offense even more dangerous.
3. Getting more from the supporting cast
One of the key reasons Milwaukee hasn’t dominated as expected is inconsistent production from role players. Rivers must make adjustments to ensure the Bucks get the most out of their supporting cast.
Finding reliable bench scorers: Milwaukee’s second unit has struggled to generate offense and scoring for the most part this season. While Gary Trent Jr. has been solid as of late, averaging 13.3 points per game in the last seven games, he is still too inconsistent on a game-to-game basis. He can be very streaky and needs to somehow maintain consistent scoring of 15-20 points off the bench.
Maximizing the young players: Guards Andre Jackson Jr. and A.J. Green have shown flashes of defensive energy and athleticism but haven’t always received consistent minutes. Rivers may need to lean on both of them more, especially given the team’s defensive issues. Recently acquired backup point guard Kevin Porter Jr., in only two games with the Bucks, has looked young, speedy and athletic, while recently acquired forward Kyle Kuzma has also injected some much-needed youth, energy and activeness on both ends of the floor.
4. Rotational consistency and load management
As mentioned, the Milwaukee Bucks’ rotation has been a work in progress all season, but Doc Rivers needs to settle into a more consistent approach heading into the stretch run.
Establishing a set closing lineup: Milwaukee has rotated through different combinations late in games, which has led to chemistry issues. In the final 29 games of the regular season, Rivers must identify the five-man group that works best in crunch time and stick with it. The nine-man rotation right now is looking as though it should be Giannis, Lillard, Kuzma, Brook Lopez, Trent Jr., Porter Jr., Portis, Andre Jackson Jr. and Taurean Prince.
Managing Antetokounmpo and Lillard’s workload: Both superstars have dealt with nagging injuries, and overworking them before the playoffs would be a disaster. Smart load management will be key in the final two months down the stretch.
Defining Bobby Portis’ role: Portis has been caught between being a key sixth man and an inconsistent rotation piece on some nights. Rivers must decide if he wants Portis as a go-to offensive option for the second unit or someone whose minutes fluctuate based on matchups.
It is no secret that after the trade deadline, the Milwaukee Bucks have new weapons compared to last season. There is a lot more shot-creating now outside of Giannis and Lillard, specifically coming from Kyle Kuzma, Gary Trent Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr.
With the All-Star break here, Doc Rivers has a golden opportunity to reassess and make the necessary adjustments for a strong finish to the regular season.
If he can tighten the defense, optimize the Lillard-Antetokounmpo dynamic, get more from the supporting cast and solidify his rotations, the Bucks can reestablish themselves as legitimate contenders. Yet, if these issues persist, Milwaukee’s title window could begin to close faster than expected. The pressure is on Doc Rivers to make the right calls in the weeks and months ahead.