3 Key factors that will make or break the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024-25

1. Health

This may be an obvious factor for any team in any sport, but health will play a huge role in the success of the Milwaukee Bucks this coming season.

Injuries, mainly the absence of Giannis, having injured his calf with four regular season games left, derailed this team. Lillard played four games of the six-games in the series as he fought off an injury. Khris Middleton featured in 55 games of the regular season, and hopefully, that will increase following his offseason surgery on both ankles.

Another absentee from last season that goes slightly under the radar is Jae Crowder, who only featured in 50 regular season games and four playoff games.

He was brought in back for the 2022-23 season and was expected to fill the void left by P.J. Tucker, being the defensive ace the Bucks desperately needed. He was another piece impacted at times by injuries, but also, when he played, he never seemed to have the impact Milwaukee hoped.

Now, the new additions have pretty clean bills of health during their career. Trent has played 70, 66 and 71 games in the last three seasons and has played around 30 minutes per game. His addition caught the headlines, with him expected to sign for a much larger deal than a minimum. Pairing back up with Lillard in the backcourt will make for enjoyable viewing.

Prince is expected to be the Crowder replacement, and he featured in 78 games for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, averaging 27 minutes and starting in 49 games. Having that defensive wing that can also stretch the floor is key for the Bucks, and as long as he stays healthy, he will have a huge role for the Bucks. It is likely he will be coming off the bench, but don't be surprised to see lineups that have him starting at the three or four positions, depending on availability.

Wright is a bit more of a journeyman but has always featured consistently. He is a capable backup guard who is very strong defensively with his frame but doesn't turn the ball over, which will be integral for the Milwaukee Bucks when their stars rest. He played in 47 games last season in spells with the Washington Wizards and Miami Heat.

It is obvious that health is a key factor for anyone, but imagine how the Bucks' season could have ended with a healthy roster.