After the Milwaukee Bucks fell to the Miami Heat in the NBA Playoffs in 2020, it felt like the entire NBA world was out on them.
While they were seen as top title contenders over the prior two years, analysts, fans and odds makers turned their back on the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo was essentially shadow-banned from any conversations regarding NBA awards, such as MVP, due to a lack of the team being unable to get over the hump - which made no sense for a regular season award.
Of course, all of that doubt made it all the sweeter when the Milwaukee Bucks weathered the storm and emerged victorious at the end of a chaotic 2021 campaign with a title. Recent polls suggest that the Bucks will have to endure the same swarm of negativity and doubt as they try to get back on the right track with another championship in mind.
ESPN polls cast doubt on Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
ESPN recently conducted its annual executive survey (subscription required), and it did not put the Milwaukee Bucks or Giannis Antetokounmpo in a positive light at all.
In a poll asking who the best player in the NBA is, Denver's Nikola Jokic received 15 votes, Dallas' Luka Doncic earned two and Minnesota's Anthony Edwards earned one. That's right, Giannis did not receive a single vote in the poll. He was the only player to earn a vote in each of the prior four polls, meaning his impressive streak has now been snapped.
Regarding who will be the 2024-25 MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo also did not earn a single vote, which is outrageous, as he's been a staple in that conversation over the past few years. Heck, there's a good argument that he could have won it last year after becoming the first player in NBA history to average over 30 points on 60 percent field goal shooting - also averaging a career-high 6.5 assists.
As a whole, the Milwaukee Bucks earned a tad more respect than Antetokounmpo, as they were given two votes for the team most likely to win the Eastern Conference. The Boston Celtics understandably earned 13, while the New York Knicks also received two, and the Philadelphia 76ers earned one.
Regarding who will secure the 2024-25 NBA title, the Milwaukee Bucks earned one vote. Boston got eight, OKC got seven, and Dallas and Minnesota each earned one alongside Milwaukee.
Outside of that singular voter, people just aren't that high on the Bucks right now, just like in 2020-21. As they did that year, the only approach Milwaukee can take is to win a title to earn back the respect of voters, analysts and everyone in between.
This doubt could be a good thing for the Milwaukee Bucks
In 2020-21, the doubt surrounding the team seemingly fueled them as they went on to win their first title in 50 years. Perhaps that same mindset could provide an added chip on their shoulder this year.
Giannis Antetokounmpo should be particularly motivated. Just like in 2021, the NBA is trying to cast him out of best player in the world talks due to his postseason shortcomings. Ultimately, it's not quite his fault entirely, as he's missed significant time in the playoffs over the past two years due to injuries. However, the voters do not care about that. The best ability is availability, as the saying goes.
Just like they did with Jrue Holiday, many have questioned whether the trade for Damian Lillard was even worth it. Sure, Lillard wasn't the Top-75 player ever he's been advertised to be last season, but there were countless reasons for that. Now, with a regular offseason under his belt, he's determined to get back on the right path and prove his doubters wrong.
Heck, since we're drawing so many comparisons to 2020-21, just like when the Bucks added one of the best financial steals of the offseason by signing Bobby Portis, they landed one of the best bang for your buck signings this year in Gary Trent Jr. Just like Portis, Trent has a chance to etch himself in the conversation of Milwaukee Bucks fan favorite lore.
To be clear, not all of the doubt cast on Milwaukee is baffling. They have indeed lost in back-to-back first-round playoff series. Whether injuries are the primary reason for those shortcomings or not, it's happened. It's time to end this vile streak.
With a retooled roster that fits much better than it did when last season ended, more time for coach Doc Rivers to get to know his players and a hopefully healthy roster, the Bucks have a chance to earn their respect back this season. If 2024-25 ends like 2020-21 did, the doubt will once again cease.
Above all else, it starts with everyone, primarily Giannis Antetokounmpo, staying healthy.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.