To say that the last two seasons have been disappointing for the Milwaukee Bucks would be a major understatement. Even with Giannis Antetokounmpo playing at a MVP-level, the Bucks have been unable to find postseason success, losing in the first round each of the last two seasons. This year was a complete disaster for the Bucks, especially since first-year head coach Adrian Griffin was replaced by Doc Rivers after a 30-13 start to the year. When Rivers took over, the team went 17-19 and struggled to find their identity.
Will the Bucks be able to look at themselves in the mirror and regroup during the offseason, or are their chances of competing for a title vanishing into the sunset?
If there is one thing we can count on, it is for Giannis to rally his troops in preparation for the 2024-25 season, a year that could be the Bucks' last chance to prove themselves with their same core group. While Milwaukee has some decisions to make entering the offseason, Antetokounmpo is already firing up Bucks fans on social media.
“Milwaukee, THANK YOU,” Giannis posted. “This season didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but I promise you we will get back to where we belong and they’re going to give us our damn flowers.”
Of course, Antetokounmpo ended his post on social media with a bouquet of flowers emoji.
As far as his confidence goes, Giannis is ready for the new season to start right now. His first season with Damian Lillard did not go as planned, and the Bucks are on a mission to prove that they are still championship contenders. Whether or not they can get back to winning and find success in the playoffs will depend on what decisions the front office makes during the summer.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks face offseason questions
The Bucks do not need to worry about any of their core players leaving in the offseason. Antetokounmpo, Lillard, and Khris Middleton are all under contract for at least two more seasons, and Brook Lopez also has one more year left on his current deal. With this said, the Bucks have very little room to make key additions to their roster due to these four players, plus Bobby Portis, combining to make over $164 million in total. Milwaukee is going to be dangerously close to crossing the second apron, which would lead to some major limitations in terms of making trades and signing free agents.
Could Portis be on the move in a package that includes either Middleton or Pa Connaughton in order for the Bucks to try and add a more dynamic, well-equipped star next to Giannis and Lillard? This is certainly a scenario that the team will need to consider, as is the possibility of replacing Lopez in the frontcourt with the 36-year-old entering the final year of his deal.
Malik Beasley, who made a team-high 224 triples this season, is likely going to pursue other opportunities in free agency given his production on a minimum contract in Milwaukee. So long as Giannis and Lillard are healthy, the Bucks know that they will have a chance to beat any team in the league, regardless of what the rest of their roster looks like.
The Bucks understand the challenge in front of them in terms of gaining their respect back after two underwhelming seasons. At the end of the day, all that matters is that they believe in themselves. The one thing Bucks fans and the organization don't need to worry about is Giannis being ready for the 2024-25 season.
Follow Us
Subscribe