3. Doc Rivers
This is a make-or-break season for Doc Rivers, and there is a lot of pressure on him following Griffin's departure. The Bucks went 17-19 under his stewardship at the tail end of the season, and despite the defensive improvements, the record dropped off slightly from the path Griffin had the team on.
Of course, there were just 36 games Rivers took charge of, but the last time he went under .500 in a head coaching role was all the way back in 2006-07 with the Celtics. His struggles with the Los Angeles Clippers and Sixers are well documented, and it feels like he needs to at least get to an Eastern Conference Championship this season.
Combining with the last key factor of defense, Rivers needs to find a scheme or game plan that works and then can be tweaked depending on the opposition. He did improve the defense when he came in, but there is so much more this team can do, and if he manages to do so without taking too much away from the offense, then the Milwaukee Bucks will be right there among the top contenders.
What maybe adds to the pressure (social media pressure albeit) is the addition of Darvin Ham to the coaching staff. Two years leading the Lakers, including taking them to the Conference Finals, was impressive. He was integral in being a part of the title-winning Bucks team back in 2020-21, so having him alongside Rivers will be good as he brings familiarity, but also, if Rivers isn't getting results, then the front office may not look too far away as they plan their next steps.
These are just three key factors that can make or break the Bucks' season. It feels like there is more stability heading into this and it will hopefully be calmer without the reports from inside the locker room coming out and hopefully leading to a successful season.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks news and analysis as the NBA season is just around the corner.