Recent comments from Giannis Antetokounmpo, where he highlights that he wants to make it back to the NBA Finals with the Milwaukee Bucks, sure make it seem like he's sticking around. If that remains the case, Milwaukee's next big objective will be sorting out the rest of the frontcourt, especially as it pertains to the center spot.
Figuring out the center position is what comes for the Bucks
Currently, the Milwaukee Bucks do not have a single center cemented on the roster. Brook Lopez and Jericho Sims will hit NBA Free Agency, while Bobby Portis could join them if he declines his option for next season. Milwaukee has a chance to completely overhaul their center position or make tweaks to some degree; there's just no telling how big they might be.
It does feel increasingly likely that Brook Lopez will depart Milwaukee after spending the last seven years with the franchise. At 37, he simply doesn't possess the type of speed and agility the Bucks so clearly need. The big man will have plenty of suitors elsewhere if he decides to keep playing, but it'd be shocking if the Milwaukee Bucks tried to re-sign him.
It feels much more likely that the team will let Lopez walk and aim to retain Portis and Sims.
Doing so with Portis may come easier than first expected, as there are murmurs from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Jim Owczarski that Portis could very well opt in to his player option for next season after many thought he would initially opt out to test the market. Sims showed flashes with the Bucks during limited minutes, and he could likely come back on a team-friendly minimum deal.
Retaining both would create an interesting dynamic. Portis could bring the scoring and shooting, while Sims would be much more of an athletic rebounder and versatile defender. That could allow Milwaukee to forge some unique lineup combinations when the situation calls for it. Perhaps they could even play them together.
There will also be external options for the Milwaukee Bucks to consider. Bol Bol is a potential-filled big man who has shown he can perform in a bigger role. Precious Achiuwa is just 25 and might be a piece who could thrive in Milwaukee's smaller lineups. Perhaps there's a trade target lurking out here that the Bucks have eyes on. Maybe they like someone in the upcoming NBA Draft.
No matter how they tackle it, figuring out who will be playing next to Giannis Antetokounmpo in the frontcourt just became the team's next big question to solve.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.