The Milwaukee Bucks are facing numerous questions about their roster ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. Last offseason, they traded Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen for Damian Lillard, positioning themselves as a playoff contender. They might have lived up to that potential, but Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury derailed their plans.
Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn’t the only injured player during the Bucks’ brief postseason run before their elimination by the Indiana Pacers. Damian Lillard re-injured his Achilles, limiting his effectiveness and causing him to miss a game. Khris Middleton also played the entire series, but he was hampered by a leg injury.
It Was Clear the Milwaukee Bucks Did Not Have a Good Enough Supporting Cast
Without Giannis in the series and with Lillard not at full strength, the Bucks couldn’t keep up with the younger, faster Pacers. Middleton excelled, averaging 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, including four double-doubles and a 42-point performance in Game Three.
However, no one else matched Middleton’s contributions. Bobby Portis was ejected from a game, Malik Beasley struggled defensively, and the rest of the bench didn’t step up. The Bucks particularly struggled to defend the Pacers’ three-point shooting and transition offense. Brook Lopez remained an elite rim protector, but this was less impactful against the Pacers’ hot three-point shooting.
Patrick Beverley offered strong defense, but as a free agent, he will likely be too expensive for the Bucks, given their financial constraints as repeat second apron spenders.
NBA Analyst Recommends Milwaukee Bucks Pursue Trade for Marcus Smart
The Milwaukee Bucks are facing numerous questions about their roster as they head into the 2024-25 NBA season. Following their trade for Damian Lillard, which sent Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen to other teams, the Bucks were expected to make a deep playoff run. However, injuries to key players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard hindered their postseason performance.
Given these challenges, some analysts believe the Bucks should make another strategic move. One suggestion is to trade for Marcus Smart, the former Defensive Player of the Year. Smart’s defensive prowess and ability to play both guard positions could provide the Bucks with the stability and toughness they need to complement their star players and enhance their playoff prospects.