The Milwaukee Bucks are all-in on winning a championship. It is why they traded for Damian Lillard and re-signed Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez. The Bucks fired first-year head coach Adrian Griffin and installed Doc Rivers for the same reason. They are one of the most talented teams in the league but are all about winning another ring.
Nothing has been easy for Milwaukee this season. They have dealt with injuries and changes on the fly. The Bucks are 17-18 on the road, but no team wants to face them in the playoffs if healthy. Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the world, and Milwaukee’s top four is as talented as any other team.
The Bucks have flaws, and the opposition will attempt to exploit them in the playoffs. Can Doc Rivers help his team cover their weaknesses and win it all? Here are some problem areas that could cost Milwaukee.
5. Lack of depth
Does Doc Rivers have enough trusted options in any playoff series? Giannis, Dame, Middleton, and Lopez are locked in, but it is fair to question every player after that. Malik Beasley fell out of the Lakers playoff rotation last season, but the Bucks have no other options on the wing. Bobby Portis, Jae Crowder, Patrick Beverley, and Pat Connaughton have warts. They will play, but can the Bucks trust them to fill crucial minutes?
There is nobody else unless Danilo Gallinari finds his footing or one of the young players steps up. Rivers has no change-ups to throw in a series. He could ax someone from the rotation, but it means relying more on his best players.
Winning 16 playoff games is a grind. The Bucks cannot be playing Giannis, Dame, Middleton, and Lopez for 40-plus minutes every night. They need depth and won't have it until next year. It could cost them, but is far from their only issue.