All signs point to Giannis Antetokounmpo sticking with the Milwaukee Bucks right now, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. Above all else, they may have to do with loyalty, as the Bucks' plan to keep the star has undeniable flaws; Windhorst reports that Jon Horst and Doc Rivers pitched a plan to keep the team's core intact to compete for a top-six seed in the East next season. That can't happen.
The Milwaukee Bucks cannot keep their core intact
Who is in Milwaukee's core? It's absolutely Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but after that? Brook Lopez? Bobby Portis? Kyle Kuzma? It's unclear, but the Milwaukee Bucks cannot afford to bring back their same core from last season and expect to make a deep run. Indiana exposed Milwaukee's flaws from top to bottom. If the Bucks want to make a run, they must adapt.
Keeping the current core could drag last season's problems over into 2025-26. In fact, it might even make them worse while Damian Lillard recovers from his Achilles issue. Giannis is loyal, so he might be fine with bringing back some of the players he's grown with, but when it comes to winning, that simply might not be the best approach.
So, what does that entail? Above all else, completely leaning into being faster and more athletic on a nightly basis. Indiana and OKC, the two teams in the NBA Finals, are perfect examples of just how far teams can go when they are athletic 15-deep. To keep up with the times, the Milwaukee Bucks must get with the times.
That may mean saying goodbye to Brook Lopez, who has been a franchise staple for the last several years but got benched in the postseason. The same goes for Pat Connaughton. Taurean Prince can walk as soon as free agency opens. Is Kyle Kuzma a sure thing? He's somewhat young but should be on the trade block for certain.
The Milwaukee Bucks must also factor this into their decision-making when recruiting newcomers, targeting younger and more athletic players rather than going after well-recognized veterans who may be past their prime. If Milwaukee wants to be in a competitive spot when Lillard potentially is cleared to return, Milwaukee must change up their thought process.
Some of Milwaukee's most successful lineups came late in the season when Rivers deployed lineups featuring Giannis and four athletic shooters. It's time to buy into that strategy completely.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.