The Milwaukee Bucks failed to advance in the 2023-24 NBA season due to a variety of issues, including a first-round loss to the Indiana Pacers.
This offseason, the front office has been very busy retooling their roster, and no more transactions appear to be in the works. However, given what transpired in Wisconsin last season with the Damian Lillard deal, anything is possible.
Damian Lillard has now had a complete offseason in Milwaukee, while Giannis Antetokounmpo has returned from injury to compete in the Olympics, hoping to be back to his best. This is a pivotal season for the Bucks, who gave up a lot to get Lillard and made the coaching move to hire Doc Rivers last season.
It will also be significant for general manager Jon Horst, since he has made moves to attempt to develop a championship squad, and now is the opportunity to put them into action.
The Bucks confront several challengers in their quest for a championship.
The changes made by other Eastern Conference rivals will make the Bucks’ upcoming season more difficult. We know the Bucks. have brought in some high-quality free agents in Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince and Delon Wright, but the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers have made huge additions, and the aren’t going anywhere.
The Cleveland Cavaliers cannot be written off, either, as they advanced to the second round of the playoffs and changed coaches, with former Bucks target Kenny Atkinson taking over. Indiana is a youthful squad that will only improve, as will the Orlando Magic, who have made some good signings this offseason.
Let’s discuss Bucks; last season didn’t go as planned, and there was a lot of unhappiness in the locker room under Adrian Griffin, despite a 30-13 start. Roster changes were implemented, and the defense improved marginally. Injuries near the end of the season saw the Bucks depart the playoffs early, but this season, it feels like the media and people in general have forgotten how good Milwaukee was.
Giannis Antetokounmpo can be.
Now, we will take a look at three key factors that will make or break the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024-25.
