With a disappointing 1-3 record four games into the 2024-25 NBA season, it is clear that the Milwaukee Bucks appear to have some major flaws already. There are many reasons for these struggles, which are hopefully fixable as the season progresses.
They have started the season playing terrible perimeter defense, have absolutely no offensive identity and simply have no movement or strategy for the future. This sounds all too familiar to last season when Doc Rivers took over as head coach 43 games into the season, as it should.
It's no secret that the Milwaukee Bucks have had an identity issue since last season when Doc Rivers became the head coach. He even alluded to that last season when he admitted as such. So far, after four games this season, the team still does not have an identity.
Giannis Antetokounmpo even admitted the team has an identity problem in his postgame availability after an embarrassing loss to the Brooklyn Nets recently. The same issues appear to be rearing its ugly head once again after four games into the season. Unless Milwaukee finds an identity, their title window may only continue getting narrower.
What's up with the Milwaukee Bucks? They lack identity
There is far too much hero/ISO ball happening, which is mainly led by Bobby Portis. When he is on the floor with Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, he should not be demanding the basketball and looking for his shot, as this is a major disruption to the flow of the offense and can hijack it.
When they are on the floor together, only Antetokounmpo and Lillard should be controlling offensive possessions, as this leads to success. They are averaging 29 and 28 points per game, respectively, which should be more than enough to carry the team, culminating in victories.
It has been a challenge to find the right rhythm and roles for Lillard and Giannis, which goes back to the beginning of last season. Rivers needs to strike a balance and blend Giannis' unique skill set with Lillard's strengths.
Giannis thrives in a transition-heavy, downhill approach, whereas Lillard excels in half-court sets with pick and rolls and deep shooting. Rivers also needs to implement new schemes that maximize ball movement and off-ball actions, which haven't always been a strength for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Continuing to develop and build chemistry and learing to exploit mismatches with Lillard's shooting and Giannis' inside presence will be key to developing a more cohesive identity. This continues to be a work in progress for the team.
While Giannis is still at his peak, it's no secret that the clock is ticking on his prime years. Lillard, who is 34 years old, also has his own timeline considerations.
With the Milwaukee Bucks' shaky defense to start the season, they must establish strong defensive cohesion in order to handle the physical and strategic demands of a long season. This could signal that their window is closing faster than fans would hope.
Another key issue that has plagued this team is the role players, specifically the guard play and play-making abilities. The Bucks are still in need of a point guard that can come off of the bench and instantly get the offense going in the half-court when Lillard and Antetokounmpo are not on the floor.
Delon Wright is still trying to find his way offensively and seems lost after the first four games. Pat Connaughton has also struggled mightly and should only be playing minutes in garbage time.
Connaughton's veteran presence is no longer needed or required on this team, as he really adds no value when he is on the floor...on both sides of the ball. For some inexplicable reason, Rivers is way too loyal to him and plays him too many minutes.
It's nowhere near time to hit the panic button, but the Milwaukee Bucks genuinely look old, slow and lost for the most part on both sides of the ball. The exception to this would be Gary Trent Jr., who has been impressive defensively after four games. While he hasn't found his shot yet completely, hitting just 36.7 percent of his field goals, it will come in time.
Four games into the season, the Milwaukee Bucks are not a good basketball team. Their title window appears to be closing quickly. The aging core of the roster is not getting any younger, especially when Khris Middleton returns to action.
The team's overall style of play has lacked intensity so far, especially on the defensive side of the ball. This includes Giannis Antetokounmpo, too, as he is not to be absolved completely.
Perhaps no final judgments can or should be made until Middleton returns and the Big 3 can play together for most of the season.
If the losing continues, difficult decisions and conversations need to be had between general manager Jon Horst and the front office. Trades will most definitely need to be made as well to improve this Milwaukee Bucks roster.
For now, the goal must be establishing an identity. If they can do that, they can certainly rebound from this tough start to the season.