The Milwaukee Bucks fell short in the 2023-24 NBA season, and there were multiple factors that led to their first-round exit at the hands of the Indiana Pacers.
The front office has been very busy this offseason in retooling their roster, and as it stands, no further moves look like they will be made. Yet, after seeing what happened in Wisconsin last season with the Damian Lillard trade, anything can happen.
Damian Lillard now has a full offseason under his belt in Milwaukee, and Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from his injuries to play in the Olympics, looking to be back to his best. This is a huge season for the Bucks, having given up a lot to bring in Lillard and making the coaching change to hire Doc Rivers last season.
It will also be big for general manager Jon Horst, as he has made moves to try to build a title roster, so now is the time to put it into action.
The Bucks face many challengers in their quest for a title
What makes this upcoming season tougher for the Bucks is the moves from other contenders in the Eastern Conference. We know the Bucks have brought in some high-quality free agents in Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince and Delon Wright, but the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers have made huge additions, and the Boston Celtics aren't going anywhere.
The Cleveland Cavaliers cannot be written off either, as they progressed to round two of the playoffs and made a coaching change with former Bucks target Kenny Atkinson taking over. Indiana is a young team that will only get better, and that also goes for the Orlando Magic, who made nice additions this offseason.
Let's talk Bucks, though; last season didn't go according to plan, and there was lots of unrest in the locker room under Adrian Griffin despite the 30-13 start to the season. Roster moves were made, and the defense improved slightly. Injuries toward the end of the season saw the Bucks exit the playoffs early, but this season, it feels like the media and fans, in general, have forgotten how good Milwaukee and Giannis Antetokounmpo can be.
Now, we will take a look at three key factors that will make or break the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024-25.