3 Unmistakable reasons to be optimistic about the 2024-25 Milwaukee Bucks

This is the most talented roster the Bucks have had in years

On paper, this 18-man collection of talent, which includes the three two-way players, is an incredibly gifted group. One could even go as far as to argue it's the most skilled group the Milwaukee Bucks have had throughout the Giannis Antetokounmpo era, which should undoubtedly have fans excited to watch this team in action.

Up top, the Bucks have a formidable trio of Giannis, Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton, three players who can score from all over the floor. If teams collapse in the paint to stop Giannis, there will be a pair of lethal bucket-getters waiting on the perimeter in Lillard and Middleton. The big problem last year was that they were hardly on the floor due to health. When healthy, they are a redoubtable bunch.

Elsewhere in the starting five, the Bucks have a 7-foot shot-blocking, sweet-shooting big man who is still a Defensive Player of the Year caliber player. Then there's their new addition, the biggest steal of the NBA offseason in the eyes of many, Gary Trent Jr. The guard rounds out an uber-talented starting five as one of the best shooters in the entire league, and he will complement this group perfectly.

They have a nice mix off the bench as well, spearheaded by back-to-back Sixth Man of the Year finalist Bobby Portis, whose scoring and rebounding is vital. As mentioned, they also now have two versatile veterans in Wright and Prince who should help mightily defensively. Two young players in AJ Green and Andre Jackson Jr. could also provide help on both sides of the ball if called upon.

Only time will tell if they play as good as they look on paper, but heading into camp, there is certainly reason for optimism.

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