The Milwaukee Bucks were on top of the basketball world just a short two years ago. They had an impressive comeback in the NBA Finals, defeating the Phoenix Suns in six games after losing the first two games of the series. Alas, the team has been unable to replicate that success in the last two seasons.
The Bucks have managed to win only one series in the following two postseasons. Injuries have played a big part in that as their lineup hasn’t always been at full strength when it matters most; there is only so much that Giannis Antetokounmpo can do without a supporting cast.
The Bucks’ are certainly among the best teams in the Eastern Conference still, but their hold on a top spot is tenuous, at best. Antetokounmpo remains one of the best players in the world, but the role players around him are beginning to fall apart.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
One Western Conference executive recently took a shot at the Bucks roster, as they believe this is a group that is aging out of contention. With the core getting older around Antetokounmpo, their window for contention is also closing.
“But outside of [Giannis] Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have an old core,” Ric Bucher wrote. “[Khris] Middleton turned 32 in August and injuries have aged him beyond that. [Brook] Lopez is 35. Jrue Holiday, who has a player option for next season, is 33.
“‘That team has run its course and is a year or two away from aging out of contention,’ said a Western Conference executive.”
That is one of the big reasons that people are keeping an eye on Antetokounmpo. He has made it clear that he wants to play for a contending team as his motivation is playing for championships. If the Bucks can no longer provide him with that, he will look to play elsewhere.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
This offseason there have already been rumors swirling about where he could end up. Eligible for an extension, he isn’t going to sign anything if he isn’t convinced the Bucks can still contend at a high level.
Unless the front office has something up their sleeve, it is hard to envision them being able to accomplish that. Milwaukee isn’t a hotbed destination for free agents and the team has exhausted a lot of its assets putting the current roster together.
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