The Milwaukee Bucks: A Two Year Disappointment

(Photo from Bucks Nation.com)

I've realized that in 2020, everyone's demeanor is downtrodden and situations are altered due to a certain pandemic. I noticed that my recent posts and blogs have been on the negative side and I'm willing to become more positive.

After reading the title of this, I think that I am going to wait on that.

In the last two seasons, the Milwaukee Bucks have been the crown jewel of the Eastern Conference as the top team, compiling a 116-39 record (.750 winning percentage) in that span. It's a far cry from a 2013-2014 season where Milwaukee was the worst team in the NBA (15-67 record, .183 winning percentage). Yet, that Bucks team had a raw prospect from Greece named Giannis Antetokounmpo and a second rounder acquired in the Brandon Jennings trade that was considered a throw-in named Khris Middleton. Through the seasons, Milwaukee used a second-round pick on Malcolm Brogdon, traded for Eric Bledsoe and signed Brook Lopez. They also let Jason Kidd go as coach and hired Mike Budenholzer. The team also saw ownership change hands (majority owners Wes Edens and Marc Lasry) and a sparkling new arena built in downtown Milwaukee (Fiserv Forum).

The Bucks had Giannis win a MVP and a DPOY award. Brogdon received a ROY trophy (won in 2017) and Budenholzer awarded a Coach of the Year nod. Middleton became an all-star in 2019 and 2020, as Lopez and Bledsoe being named on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team this season.

Despite these accomplishments and riches that have bestowed this franchise, the Bucks have failed to reach the accomplishment and trophy that has eluded them in the past two seasons: the NBA Championship. Last season in the Eastern Conference Finals, Milwaukee held a 2-0 lead on the Raptors, only to lose four straight to keep them out of the Finals. This season in the second round of the "playoffs", The Bucks were totally outmatched by a hungrier Miami Heat squad and were sent home after a 4-1 series defeat. Giannis missed the last six quarters of the series due to an ankle injury.

Their failure to win the NBA's top prize has experts with a lot of questions and many situations that may contributed to this.

THE BUCKS LACK A KILLER INSTINCT......IN THE PLAYOFFS

In the last two regular seasons, the Bucks led the NBA in scoring margin, which means they have dominated. In the first two games of the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals against Toronto, Milwaukee had control of Game 1 and 2 and had a double digit lead in Game 6, only to let the series get away from them. In this year's "playoffs", the Bucks were manhandled by the Orlando Magic in Game 1. Milwaukee ended up winning the series, but were exposed by the Heat. This lack of a killer instinct has not helped Milwaukee reach the top.

MIKE BUDENHOLZER IS THE RIGHT COACH FOR THE BUCKS.......FOR NOW

Milwaukee decided to fire Jason Kidd in the middle of the 2017-2018 season, because they weren't reaching their potential. They hired Budenholzer in the ensuing off-season after many successful seasons in Atlanta. Remember, he led the Hawks to a 60-win season in 2014-2015. Go to Wikipedia and look at the roster on that team and see what he could do. The point is, the Bucks are not the best team in the East without Budenholzer. The problem is if they don't win a title, he could be the odd man out.

THE MALCOLM BROGDON DILEMMA

While Giannis and Middleton are the de facto stars of the team, Malcolm Brogdon was the glue. His scoring ability and tenacious defense gave Milwaukee a third option. In the off-season, the franchise handed Middleton a huge extension and the Lopez twins were given contracts. This meant they couldn't afford Brogdon and sent him to Indiana in a sign-and-trade. This decision left the Bucks without a real third option. Second year swingman Donte DiVincenzo has potential, so the future could be bright there.

GIANNIS'S FUTURE IN CREAM CITY IS IFFY

After the loss, Giannis went to management and wanted them to make the team better. When named league MVP for the second consecutive season, he didn't want to called that until he wins a championship. The Bucks are in a situation where after this season, their face of the franchise could leave for greener pastures. Teams are salivating for the chance to obtain Antetokounmpo, so Milwaukee will have some tough decisions in this upcoming off-season.

IF GIANNIS LEAVES, CAN KHRIS MIDDLETON BE THE LEADER?

I like Khris Middleton. He was the throw-in of a trade that made the Bucks better. After signing an extension, his future in Milwaukee is safe. In the six quarters that Giannis missed, Middleton showed he can lead this team despite Milwaukee losing Game 5. The problem is that the team would have to still get a player to try to replace Giannis.

The Bucks have an opportunity staring them in the face to become a dynasty. If they can fix their problems, they can be. Or the disappointing will continue.

Now, I'll try to be positive.........hopefully.

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