The Milwaukee Bucks ruined their present and future around Giannis Antetokounmpo by adding Myles Turner this offseason. Signing the big man to a reasonable contract in free agency turned into a disaster when the franchise had to waive-and-stretch Damian Lillard to do it. The Bucks now have $22.5 million in dead money on their books every year through 2030. That will limit their flexibility and create plenty of regrets. It has already forced Milwaukee into a sticky situation.
The Bucks don’t have a true point guard on their roster. Giannis will be their primary creator, but he can’t play 48 minutes. Milwaukee needs someone to run the show and get others involved when the Greek Freak is on the bench. Their best options are Kevin Porter Jr. and Cole Anthony. Neither was playing more than 20 minutes per game last season.
The Bucks don’t have enough talent around Giannis to seriously contend. There are massive holes and questions about who head coach Doc Rivers will trust when the games matter most. They are praying the bold moves keep Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, but he will quickly find out this roster is not built to compete with the NBA's best teams.
Bucks have put Giannis Antetokounmpo in an impossible position to succeed
The Bucks' four highest-paid players are all big men. They will try to use Kyle Kuzma at the three, but the trade looks even stranger after adding Myles Turner. Getting Kuz unlocked Giannis at the five lineups, but those will be limited with Turner playing 30-plus minutes every night.
Jon Horst papered the cracks with cheap signings, but the Bucks are too frontcourt heavy. They are now expecting players on minimums to play key roles in the backcourt. Milwaukee is betting on finding undervalued talent, but has already lost that gamble several times in recent years.
The Bucks currently need Giannis to be their leading scorer, playmaker, defender, rebounder, and offensive creator. The 30-year-old must do it all for his franchise. Expecting him to make it happen over the 82-game regular season grind and sprint in the playoffs is impossible. Horst has at least tried to put shooting around him, but Giannis can’t drop a 30-point triple-double every night. Even if he does, it might not be enough with the Bucks' lack of talent.
Antetokounmpo doesn't have a co-star. Myles Turner has never sniffed an All-Star appearance and was the Pacers' fourth-leading scoring last season. No co-star, questionable depth, and an ill-fitting roster has the Bucks headed toward disaster.
Hall of Famer Marc Spears was emphatic that Giannis can’t win another championship with the Bucks. The Greek Freak has made that goal crystal clear. This roster is not at that level and has no pathway to get there. They have two first-round draft picks to trade, but limited matching salary. Milwaukee has stayed in contention for nearly a decade and is just simply out of moves.
The Milwaukee Bucks are testing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s loyalty. He wants to play his entire career in Cream City, but desires a second championship. The former MVP will have to choose which he wants more soon. Bucks fans are terrified, but they only have their front office to blame.