SEPT. 20: WILL BRUCE BROWN RETURN FOR THE SEASON? Bruce Brown, a former Indiana Pacers guard, played 34 games with the Toronto Raptors during the 2023-24 season. His future with the squad is uncertain. On Friday, the Raptors disclosed that Brown underwent arthroscopic knee surgery. Toronto announced that Brown would be re-evaluated in three weeks. Brown won the 2023 NBA Championship. However, he has subsequently played for two teams, averaging 10.8 points. The Raptors exercised his team option for the 2024-25 season, which is worth $23 million.
SEPT. 19 ‘CONTINUITY WON’T BE ENOUGH’ The Milwaukee Bucks had Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard yet failed to win at least 50 games. Moreover, they lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round, as Antetokounmpo missed the 2024 playoffs.
ESPN’s NBA analyst Zach Lowe presented quality points as to why the Bucks are the Bucks under heavy scrutiny. “Milwaukee is coming off the year from hell,’ Lowe began on NBA Today. The Bucks fired rookie head coach Adrian Griffin despite owning one of the better records in the NBA. Milwaukee hired Doc Rivers, and he went 17-19 to finish the season.
“Damian Lillard, 34, seemed uncomfortable last season. Khris Middleton, 33, is coming off an injury-plagued season, a strong playoff run, and double ankle surgery this offseason,” Lowe said. “Brook Lopez, the defense’s anchor, is 36 years old. This team is becoming older and less athletic around Giannis.” Lowe did not condemn the Bucks, but he did provide a succinct overview of their difficulties. Given the Bucks’ troubles entering the 2024-25 season, the Pacers have a chance to pass them during the regular season. However, you cannot rule out a healthy Antetokounmpo.