The 2023-24 NBA season has been a roller coaster ride for the Milwaukee Bucks from the moment things kicked off, to put it lightly.
From roster changes to a seismic coaching switch, continuity has not been a friend of Milwaukee's to this point. However, the Bucks sit at 37-21, good enough for third in the Eastern Conference and just one game back of the Cleveland Cavaliers. It's not far-fetched to think that the Bucks have yet to play their best basketball this season, as things have been flowing much more smoothly lately.
Rather than looking ahead, let us look at what the team has shown thus far this season with a single sentence progress report for every player.
The starters
Giannis Antetokounmpo - The Greek Freak is having arguably the best year of his career, dominating on a nightly basis and is still an afterthought in the NBA MVP conversation.
Damian Lillard - It hasn't been the smoothest transition from Portland to Milwaukee for Lillard, but he's still one of the best clutch performers in the NBA and continues to build chemistry with other Bucks.
Khris Middleton - The injury bug has limited Middleton's availability all season, but he's taken on the role of third fiddle well, and the Bucks will need him back in the fold if they plan to go all the way.
Brook Lopez - Even nearing 36 years of age, Lopez continues to provide strong two-way play nightly, particularly down low as a shot-blocker, currently tied for the second most total blocks in the NBA.
Malik Beasley - In his first NBA season as a full-time starter, Beasley is playing tremendous basketball and will play himself into a big contract if he can keep it up down the stretch.
The key reserves
Bobby Portis - After a slow start to the season that featured him being in trade rumors constantly, Portis has started putting the pieces together for a bench unit that desperately needs a leader.
Pat Connaughton - Like Portis, Connaughton struggled to start the year, was consistently mentioned in trade rumors and has started to play much better as of late.
Jae Crowder - After starting the season red-hot, Crowder missed several months due to a procedure, but since returning, he's been playing his role well, even if the stat sheet does not show it.
Patrick Beverley - Beverley has only been with the team for six games, but he's given them a quality veteran guard defender and leader off of the bench, which this team needed.
Danilo Gallinari - Given that he's only played two games with the team, there isn't a whole lot to say about Gallinari outside of applauding that sweet pass he made against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Danilo dime! pic.twitter.com/enMN2TSFcx
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 25, 2024
End of the bench guys
Thanasis Antetokounmpo - The older Antetokounmpo has not played much this season, but his vocal presence has continued to be a welcoming presence for Milwaukee as always.
Andre Jackson Jr. - A rookie second round pick, Jackson has shown glimpses of potential due to his athleticism, defense and energy but has been unable to crack the rotation since the coaching switch.
AJ Green - Everyone knew Green could shoot the long ball, but his defense in year two has caught plenty of eyes, showing that he could be deserving of more minutes.
MarJon Beauchamp - Many thought Beauchamp could have been Milwaukee's X-factor this season, but he's been unable to become a steady cog in the team's rotation.
Chris Livingston - The rookie hasn't played much with the Bucks, but he's shown in the G-League that he's undoubtedly got potential that could be worth keeping an eye on.
TyTy Washington - Another player who hasn't been featured much, Washington has been a staple for the Wisconsin Herd and is getting great game reps in Oshkosh.
Ryan Rollins - Everything that was said about Washington can be said about Rollins, who just came aboard via a two-way deal and has not played for the Bucks yet.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.