The Milwaukee Bucks have found themselves in a rather unusual position as they head into the 2024-25 NBA season—the team will not feature on Christmas Day for the first time since 2017. For a franchise that has celebrated recent success and boasts renowned players, this absence from one of the league’s premium game days feels telling. Coach Doc Rivers highlighted the sentiment shared amongst the players during the team’s media day, pointing towards an overarching belief within the locker room that the Bucks are being overlooked by the league’s narrative heading into the new season. This oversight has not been lost on Bucks forward Khris Middleton, who articulated, “We should have had a Christmas Day game… but the NBA felt different.” Such remarks underscore a rising frustration among a roster that has consistently delivered competitive basketball.
Looking around the league, it is clear that other franchises are making headlines. The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers notably secured All-Star caliber players over the offseason to enhance their rosters. The Boston Celtics, fresh off an impressive championship run, are in the spotlight as well. Meanwhile, the Bucks have not made any significant waves beyond their midseason coaching change and the acquisition of Damian Lillard, who arrived in Milwaukee just before the previous training camp commenced. This comparative lack of high-profile moves may contribute to the feeling of being overshadowed. Yet, the Bucks are resolute in their belief that they remain in contention with the league’s elite.
Bouncing Back with Stability
Milwaukee is optimistic about their trajectory into the new season, primarily due to the stability they now possess. Lillard characterized his first year in Milwaukee as “a blur” and suggested that this upcoming season would see him in far better shape after a more consistent training regimen. He confidently stated, “They gon’ get the real version of me this year.” This preparation signals a promising shift for a team that has had to navigate the chaos of a midseason rebuild. Furthermore, the absence of Lillard during the summer allowed for the two stars, he and Giannis Antetokounmpo, to prepare independently but with a shared goal in mind.
Antetokounmpo’s summer was a blend of representing Greece in the Olympics and personal milestones like his recent marriage. Reflecting on his experience, he described competing on an international stage as “one of the best experiences” of his career. This evolution off the court will hopefully translate into a more grounded leadership role within the franchise. Both stars expressed their understanding that they have a foundation from the previous season—a shared experience that supersedes individual circumstances. The integration of Rivers as the head coach from the outset this season will be pivotal in solidifying their team chemistry.
One of the significant hurdles the Bucks will face this year pertains to health. With several players on the cusp of 30 and over, including Middleton, who underwent surgery on both ankles, the team’s depth will be continually tested. Middleton’s struggle to stay on the court—having played only 88 regular-season games over the last two seasons—raises valid concerns about his fitness ahead of training camp. However, he projected a positive outlook by stating, “I feel great and will participate during some activities… everything else I’ll be able to be out there.” This engagement during training camp poses an opportunity for the Bucks to identify their strengths and current dynamics before the competitive season begins.
Looking Ahead: Building Connections
As the Bucks approach the season, the emphasis on in-person training sessions is paramount. Middleton noted that the value of practice time together is crucial to avoid “playing catch-up” as they did the previous year. The ability to refine spacing, improve communication on the court, and establish plays that utilize their collective skill set will be instrumental for success.
The Milwaukee Bucks, though initially brushed aside in the eyes of NBA observers, maintain a fierce determination to demonstrate their worth. Stability with players like Lillard and Antetokounmpo, combined with strategic practices led by Rivers, cultivates an optimistic atmosphere. They are poised to transform what may appear as a season of diminutive expectations into one of resilience and triumph, all while embracing the challenge of proving their critics wrong.
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