"Just let Giannis Antetokounmpo take care of it." This is what was essentially the Milwaukee Bucks' game plan over the last couple of years, and understandably so. When a team has one of the best players of this generation, they are supposed to lean on them. Well, he's gone. For the team to stay afloat in this next era, it all starts with their energy and hustle every single night.
Bucks are built to be an energy-first team
After years of being among the oldest teams in the NBA and relying on veterans until they were on their last leg, the Milwaukee Bucks went all-in on youth this summer. Proof? Well, just three of their players are over the age of 30 (LeVert, Kuzma, Turner). Imagine saying that just a few short years ago. This is a blessing and a curse.
On the one hand, the Milwaukee Bucks have an abundance of interesting young talent with untapped potential. On the other, with so many question marks about their players, contending anytime soon is likely out of the picture, especially with no true superstar in the picture. Tyler Herro and Ryan Rollins are both great, but they aren't at that level—at least not yet.
To really keep opposing teams on their toes, the Bucks need to always be the more energetic team. No easy baskets. Box out as if their lives depend on it. Always have active hands to generate steals. Get out in transition and score. Get back in transition and defend. Doing all of this consistently won't guarantee success, but it will certainly help Milwaukee's odds.
This up-and-coming, energetic group has what it takes to do all of these things nightly.
Hustle was a major issue for the Bucks last season
The last few years have been ugly in terms of effort. With all of the dysfunction that occurred during the Doc Rivers era, it's unsurprising that there was so much disconnect between everyone. Whether it was the Giannis trade chatter, lack of communication, poor roster construction, or whatever else, it felt like the team was held back and just went through the motions every night.
It was clear in the product. Last season, the Bucks were bottom-10 in total deflections, bottom-three in loose balls recovered, bottom-four in charges drawn, and bottom-four in contested shots. It was an ugly display of effort most nights. Now, with a new coach and a youth-focused group, the Bucks have a golden opportunity to wipe the slate clean.
In his first year as Milwaukee's head coach, Taylor Jenkins must advocate the importance of energy and effort to keep opponents on their toes. Even without a bona fide star, it could be enough for the Bucks to stand toe-to-toe with opponents. If they look as devoid of energy as they have in the past few years and don't have that go-to star, Milwaukee will be doomed.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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