The Milwaukee Bucks went through some significant changes this summer. Now, for the first time in a long time, the team is entering a new era. For some, that's welcoming. For others, it's terrifying. Before the new season begins, let's look at some massive talking points.
How would you describe the Giannis Antetokounmpo era in one word?
Dalton Sell: Storybook. Going from being the worst team in the league to champions was something you'd see in a movie. Giannis' growth from unknown draft prospect to dominant MVP was the ultimate underdog story. After years of playoff failures, Giannis and Co. finally got over the hump with one of the most nail-biting playoff runs ever put on display.
Swoosh Shrestha: Exhilarating. Giannis' play on the court was obviously super exciting, but so was the journey of watching him become an MVP from such humble origins and the crazy trades the front office made. Every season was filled with adrenaline from major risks made in those trades and from viewing the team as title contenders for a good 5-6 year stretch.
Will Moxon: Enjoyable. Despite the way the era ended, overall it was super enjoyable! I've followed the Bucks since around his rookie season, so he has always been my favorite player and means a lot in terms of my love of the team and sport. I'm not from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, or even the U.S., but I can tell the impact he had on the area and the inspiration his story brought to so many. He brought a title to a team that could've been relocated. A shame the way it ended, but wow, there was a lot of fun and enjoyment along the way!
What was your favorite move from Milwaukee's summer so far?
Sell: Drafting Brayden Burries. It felt like the holidays came early when Burries was selected with the 10th overall pick in this past draft. Based on the Arizona tape, the guard clearly boasted an incredible amount of two-way potential that could make him an immediate contributor. He only reinforced that belief with an excellent Summer League. It looks like the Milwaukee Bucks got a good one.
Shrestha: Signing Pete Nance to a standard contract. I rate this move higher than any returns from trading Giannis because those were a given once his trade destination became clear. But I view Nance as a winning player with great intangibles, versatility, and personality who should outperform his contract by a lot if given the right opportunity.
Moxon: I really like the Ousmane Dieng extension! Very good value for a player that can impact now, has good potential and has such versatility. If it doesn't work, then declining the team option for year 3 is there, but I don't see that happening. I see him as a big part of the future.
The Bucks are still in the rumor mill; what move should they make?
Sell: Peyton Watson felt like the go-to here, but he's now heading to Cleveland. The Bucks should poke around Jonathan Kuminga and Bennedict Mathurin. While not as exciting as Watson would've been, either could be a solid bet based on talent alone if the price tag isn't significant. Yet, the Bucks shouldn't be banging down either of their doors. Just test the waters and go from there.
Shrestha: Take a flyer on a low-risk, high-reward wing like Jonathan Kuminga, but don't give up anything of note for him or commit to him too much. Kuminga could still be worthy of another shot, but there's a reason two teams have let him go in quick succession. A short prove-it deal would be the best-case scenario
Moxon: Just seeing them move further salary off the books for assets, similar to the LeVert trade. Of course, they need to get the roster down to 15 anyway. I liked Peyton Watson, but the sign-and-trade demands feel like a little too much for me, as I think he may be a top-end starter at best. It would also be another mouth to feed when there are so many already, as the team looks to find their guys moving forward.
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