ESPN recently released its projected power rankings for every team in the NBA, including the Milwaukee Bucks. The news comes after the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led team had a very tranquil offseason due to a lack of big-name signings.
The Bucks had a rollercoaster of ups and downs last season. After a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs the previous year, the team made significant changes, firing coach Mike Budenholzer and hiring Adrian Griffin as his replacement. In a major offseason trade, the Bucks acquired seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard, teaming with the Greek Freak.
The season started off well, with the Bucks posting a mighty 30-13 record under Griffin. However, on January 23, the team unexpectedly fired Griffin from his role. Doc Rivers was then hired as the recent head coach, tasked with leading the Bucks to a championship.
Despite securing a playoff spot, the Bucks faced further adversity as Antetokounmpo suffered a season-ending calf injury and Lillard also missed time with an injury. Ultimately, the underdog Bucks were upset in the first round by the Indiana Pacers, marking the second straight year the team has been eliminated from the playoffs early.
The Bucks’ season has been a rollercoaster, filled with coaching changes, a blockbuster trade and ultimately a disappointing postseason run. The team will look to regroup and make another championship run in 2024-25.
ESPN lowers Milwaukee Bucks rankings after tranquil offseason
After most of the biggest moves were made in free agency, people now have an idea of where the Bucks will be next season. In a report written by Jamal Collier for ESPN, the Eastern Conference team ranks eighth out of 30 teams in the league.
“Will the Bucks reclaim their spot as one of the conference’s true contenders, or has the rest of the East passed them by? While many of their rivals have made flashy moves, the Bucks have had a quiet summer. After trading Damian Lillard on the eve of training camp last season and hiring Doc Rivers as coach midseason, Milwaukee is hoping to benefit from some continuity next season around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee was eliminated in the first round after an inconsistent season, but never saw its full team in the postseason because of Antetokounmpo’s left calf injury. Collier wrote.
As it stands, the Bucks lost Patrick Beverley and Malik Beasley, which significantly reduced their guard rotation. Fortunately, they signed Delon Wright, Gary Trent Jr., and Taurean Prince to bolster lineup for next season.
The question remains whether Milwaukee will be up to the challenge or have a mediocre run similar to last season. In either case, many will be interested to see how the Bucks roster fares against teams that invested in the offseason this year.
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