Are the Bucks at the start of something, or at the end? This season is perhaps pivotal in the history of the franchise since a new failure could already put an end to the Antetokounmpo-Lillard duo, or to the Doc Rivers experience. Clearly, no other title contender has as much pressure as the Bucks. A year ago, management bet big on Damian Lillard, and it was a bitter failure with an elimination in the first round against the Pacers. Ironically, Jrue Holiday, who was sent to the Blazers, became an NBA champion with the Celtics.
The summer was much calmer with precise and clever recruitment. No madness but the desire to fill needs with a new defensive leader (Delon Wright), a very good shooter, former teammate of Damian Lillard (Gary Trent Jr.) and a versatile winger (Taurean Prince). The Bucks are emerging stronger from this offseason, and the arrival of Gary Trent Jr. will help anticipate a new complicated season for Khris Middleton, who seems increasingly fragile. As for Delon Wright, in a different style from Pat Beverley, he will be the defensive guarantee on position 1, or even 2.
For the rest, it's classic with Giannis who has been playing like an MVP for years, but who will have to vary his game. Exactly as LeBron James was able to do at around the same age. Same observation for Damian Lillard who is coming out of a very difficult season technically and mentally. At 34, can he develop his game and become more of a manager than a leader-scorer? Can he also raise his voice in defense to avoid putting his teammates in difficulty?
Speaking of the evolution of the game, we also think of Doc Rivers whose ideas and systems seem dated. At the Sixers as at the Bucks, the former NBA champion has so far failed to take the big players to the next level, but his rating paradoxically remains very high in the NBA.
SUMMER MOVEMENTS
Arrivals: Delon Wright (Heat), Taurean Prince (Lakers), Gary Trent Jr. (Raptors)
Departures: Malik Beasley (Pistons), Pat Beverley (Israel)
THE PLAYER TO FOLLOW: DAMIAN LILLARD
“I already told you, when I’m well, it will show…” Damian Lillard announced the color, and he is not the type to shy away from his responsibilities, nor to refuse to be self-critical.
For his first season away from Portland, he disappointed. Bad in his head, far from his children and loved ones, he was also “ out of shape » according to Doc Rivers. Still capable of brilliant shots in money time, he has learned to play alongside a superstar and he will have to play more without the ball, and organize the game more to pull the Bucks up. The presence of Rajon Rondo on the staff could be a plus.
Even if the Bucks missed out, Damian Lillard often recalled that the team had been second for a long time last season, even though he missed his season. Clearly, with Damian Lillard at his best, the Bucks can only do better. On the meager sample of the preseason, and in particular against the Lakers, we saw a Lillard who sought to make others play, and to combine more with Giannis.
Like Russell Westbrook a few years ago at the same stage of his career, “Dame Time” must accept being a number 2, without playing against nature. It's a real challenge.
Average age: 27 years old
Payroll: $193.1 million (4th)
THE IDEAL SCENARIO
“When you think about it, what standards are going to be expected of me when I'm at 24 points and 7 assists when I'm not feeling well? » This is the question that Damian Lillard asked this summer, and it is valid for the entire team. The Bucks were one of the three best teams all last season, and only really cracked at the end. With one more year in the legs, the Lillard-Giannis association can only be better.
Alongside them, continuity remains the strong point with Brook Lopez as the pillar of the racket and the always valuable Bobby Portis as the 6th man. With Khris Middleton finally at 100% of his means and Gary Trent Jr. who allows the game to be spread as much as possible, the attack is more fluid and varied, and the rotation with 7-8 players remains one of the best in the NBA. More solid in defense with Giannis very concerned on this side of the field, the Bucks are the only ones to keep up the pace of the Celtics, and they appear to be the only team capable of preventing them from achieving the double.
THE WORST SCENARIO
We only need to remember last April to get a glimpse of the worst-case scenario. With Doc Rivers only riding on his past glory, the Bucks are starting the season in the worst possible way. Damian Lillard still has a hard time finding his way into the systems, and his lack of aggressiveness in defense destabilizes the entire team.
It's a copy and paste from the end of last season, and the managers have no choice but to fire Doc Rivers before Christmas. In February, the name of Damian Lillard was circulating for a new transfer, while Giannis increased the pressure. Makes you wonder if he himself will not ask to leave next July. While on the Warriors side, everyone is monitoring the situation…
