The Milwaukee Bucks shocked the NBA last year, winning their first NBA Championship in 50 years. However, there were many Bucks offseason moves.
The defending championship Bucks are returning four of their five starters. Most importantly, Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is returning for a run at another NBA Championship and possibly another MVP along the way.
However, there are some questions about the starting lineup. First, can Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday keep up their play from last season, as the Bucks heavily relied on them in the playoffs.
Also, Brook Lopez, 33, is entering his 14th NBA season and his production could decrease. The Bucks have relied on Lopez’s perimeter threat, rebounding ability and blocks in the paint.
Another question is DiVincenzo, who is coming off a foot injury that caused him to miss the last 20 games of the playoffs. He is ruled out for the season opener Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. DiVincenzo will ease back into the lineup when he is eventually cleared to play. Without receiving a contract extension before the season starts, he has something to prove.
The team also returned many bench players currently under contract, such as Pat Connaughton, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and Jordan Nwora. These players will need to produce in key minutes off the bench and when injuries occur throughout the season.
Bucks Offseason Moves
The Bucks made multiple offseason moves. They surprised many fans, resigning fan-favorite Bobby Portis. Many thought Portis would join a team that would pay him more in free agency, but he returned to the Bucks on a team friendly deal.
Also, the Bucks brought in many new faces. One of the biggest names is Grayson Allen, who the Bucks traded for and recently extended. Allen is a player many Wisconsin fans are not a fan of. He was one of the reasons the Badgers lost the Collegiate Men’s Basketball National Championship to Duke in 2015. In addition, Allen has been referred to as a “dirty player,” as he tripped players during his time at Duke. However, it seems that Allen has matured since college, and he brings a three-point threat that the Bucks offense could use.
The Bucks also signed a multitude of players to fill the roster and reserves. Among them are George Hill, Rodney Hood, Georgios Kalaitzakis, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Semi Ojeleye and Justin Robinson.
Allen will have to lead the group of Bucks’ newcomers to fill the void of losing starting forward P.J. Tucker to the Miami Heat in free agency. There are a lot of open minutes right now for a handful of players to fight for.
Hill is coming back to the Bucks after one and a half years away from the team. He brings veteran experience and leadership and has the possibility to be a great reserve player who can shoot accurately from deep.
Starting Lineup for Season Opener
Going into the season opener, the starting lineup looks to be Guards Holiday and Allen, Forwards Middleton and Antetokounmpo, and Center Lopez. The reserves look to be Hill, Allen, Connaughton, Nwora, Hood and Portis getting the most time off the bench.
The Bucks open their season at home against the Nets on Tuesday. The game with a ring ceremony and hanging the banner signifying their historic run last year. The Bucks open as favorites against a powerful Nets team, led by Kevin Durant and James Harden. The Nets are the favorites to win the Eastern Conference again, but the Bucks will look to prove that wrong Tuesday night.