The 2023-24 season was a disappointment for the Bucks. So much had happened, including the Bucks starting out 30-13 and firing their head coach Adrian Griffin. Less than 24 hours later, they hired Doc Rivers. The final stretch of the season wasn’t easy for the Bucks. They had to adjust to a new system and they went 17-19 under Rivers during the regular season. They then lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs. Granted, some injuries held them back, but it should be some concern heading into a new season.
As the Bucks, look to head into the 2024-25 season, they look to be championship contenders for what would be Rivers’s 20th playoff run. He’ll lean heavily on his dynamic duo in Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. If the Bucks can keep these two healthy (Lillard was injured in the regular season, Giannis in the postseason) then they could be deadly. Last season, they averaged a combined 54 points and 13.5 assists. One of the big problems for Lillard last season was his poor numbers, especially from beyond the three-point line.
Key Additions:
G/F Gary Trent Jr.
Lillard and Trent have some chemistry dating back to their days in Portland together. As of now, it’s uncertain what Trent’s role will be. If he starts, he’ll get some wide-open looks with defenses focusing on the Bucks dynamic duo, but he has 6th Man of the Year potential if he comes off the bench. It’s just a one-year deal, so it’ll depend on the season if the Bucks retain him or not.
Throughout his career, Prince has been a solid role player. Averaging right around 10 points since the start of the 2017 season. He’s an exceptional shooter from behind the line. He plays well on both ends of the floor.
Last year, Smith was playing in the G-League. This 19-year-old has a combination of athleticism and shot-making prowess. He’ll be a pivotal role player for the Bucks with his plug-and-play ability with his size, athleticism and three-point shooting.
Key Losses:
A point guard that can play solid defense doesn’t come around very often. That’s what PatBev does. He’s a 3-time All-Defensive player for a reason. His offensive production isn’t what it used to be, but as long as you have guys that can score in the lineup with him, he can move the ball.
Beasley scored 11 points a game for the Bucks while shooting 41% from beyond the arc. Though, the Bucks struggled defensively with Beasley in the lineup last year, moving off of him may be a good thing.
Starting Lineup: Lillard, Trent Jr., Prince, Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez
Bench: AJ Johnson, Pat Connaughton, Bobby Portis Jr., Khris Middleton, AJ Green, MarJon Beauchamp, Delon Wright
Reserves: Smith, Anžejs Pasečņiks, Liam Robbins
The Bucks’ only question in the preseason is whether Middleton will be ready for the start of the season. As it stands, he still has not been cleared for 5-on-5 action. Other than that, the projected rotation looks solid for the Bucks.
Season Outlook:
If the Bucks can keep their stars healthy, they should be in a good position for a top spot in the Eastern Conference. They have a blend of youth and experience, but they have added enough this offseason to have a real chance.
Projected Finish:
Record: 53-29
Projected Finish: Second in the Eastern Conference
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