The Milwaukee Bucks are contenders with championship aspirations, but their most glaring weakness was on full display in their latest loss to the Boston Celtics.
For the third time this season, Boston carved up Milwaukee’s defense, and the common denominator was the Bucks’ inability to keep up with athletic, versatile big men.
Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis, both vital to Milwaukee’s frontcourt rotation, struggled mightily on the perimeter. The Celtics repeatedly targeted them in pick-and-roll situations, forcing switches and exploiting their lack of lateral quickness.
The Bucks need an athletic big alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo
Lopez, despite his rim-protection prowess, looked out of place when drawn away from the paint. That's even if he is already much-improved in that regard, which he does deserve all the credit in the world for, considering his towering size.
Against Lopez, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scored a combined 15 points, while possessions where Lopez had to defend Al Horford led to 41 team points for the Celtics, per NBA matchup data.
Portis, meanwhile, couldn’t keep up with Boston’s quicker forwards, creating mismatches the Celtics exploited for easy buckets and open threes.
This vulnerability is not a new concern for the Bucks, and there's a reason they rank 24th in opponent 3-point attempts per game with 38.7. They have consistently struggled to defend against mobile big men who can shoot and drive. This weakness could be a significant factor in their playoff success, as they are likely to face similar challenges against other contenders in the Eastern Conference.
The Bucks' struggles aren’t limited to matchups against Boston, either. Their defense has shown cracks against stretch bigs all season. Players like Nikola Vucevic and Karl-Anthony Towns have had field days against Milwaukee, spreading the floor and pulling Lopez out of his comfort zone.
When paired with the Milwaukee Bucks’ reliance on a drop defense, this weakness becomes a glaring liability against modern offenses built around pace and space.
The urgency to address this issue stems from the Bucks’ championship timeline, as Milwaukee is firmly in win-now mode. But their window isn’t indefinite, and their inability to contain teams like Boston—a squad they’re likely to face in the playoffs—could derail their title hopes.
One option is giving their younger bigs a chance. Tyler Smith and Liam Robbins are inexperienced and still rather slow-footed, but they're certainly more mobile than both Lopez and Portis while also showing off good touch beyond the arc.
Regardless of the approach, the Bucks need to find a solution to this critical weakness. If they fail to do so, their championship hopes could be dashed by teams with more versatile and athletic frontcourts.
The Celtics' victory served as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for the Bucks and a clear indication that addressing their defensive vulnerabilities is paramount for future success.
It’s clear Milwaukee needs an athletic big who can defend on the perimeter, switch onto guards, and still provide enough size to protect the rim. Larry Nance Jr. and Robert Williams III are two names that have been floated as potential trade targets, and either one could address the Bucks' issues.
There are options out there if the Bucks front office are looking to trade
Nance, currently with the Atlanta Hawks, is a high-energy big known for his versatility. At 6-foot-7, he might lack the traditional size of a center, but his mobility and defensive instincts make him a perfect fit for switching schemes. Nance also brings an underrated passing ability, adding a new wrinkle to Milwaukee’s offense.
Williams, on the other hand, is a defensive dynamo. Nicknamed “Time Lord,” the former Celtic is a menace around the rim and possesses the athleticism to contest shots on the perimeter. While injuries have plagued his career, a healthy Williams could be the game-changer the Bucks need to solidify their frontcourt. It isn't hard to see the Portland Trail Blazers parting ways with him if the offer is right.
Addressing this weakness will come at a cost. Milwaukee has limited assets to work with after the Damian Lillard trade, and any deal would likely require parting with a rotation player or future draft capital. But standing pat isn’t an option.
The Celtics have already exposed the Bucks’ Achilles’ heel often this season, and other contenders are taking note. The road to the NBA Finals goes through Boston, and unless Milwaukee adapts, their best efforts may not be enough. Adding an athletic big won’t solve everything, of course, but it could be the difference between another early playoff exit and a legitimate shot at the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
The Bucks have the talent to contend, but if they want to compete with the league’s elite, they need to address their biggest weakness—before it’s too late.
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