2014-2015 Review
The Milwaukee Bucks were NBA darlings last season as Jason Kidd’s guys rose above expectations and finished with a .500 record. Earning the 6th spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Bucks gave a spirited effort against the powerful Chicago Bulls but went home in the first round.
New Additions
Greg Monroe
The Bucks had absolute perfect timing in signing the post-scoring big man, Monroe. With Larry Sanders sudden exit from the NBA, the Bucks were left with a hole. Monroe more than makes up for it, as he brings a double-double average from his last season with the Pistons into a more promising starting lineup.
Greivis Vasquez
General Greivis arrives as an insurance policy on MCW’s injury woes every season. A more than capable point guard, Vasquez is a good facilitator who can operate an offense as long as there are sufficient weapons around him. Luckily for him, the Bucks aren’t short on weapons how.
Key Losses
Larry Sanders
Sanders had all the potential in the world to become a dominant force on defense; however, more important things in life caused Sanders to leave the game for good. With a career scarred with multiple disciplinary issues and injuries, it was best for both the Bucks and Sanders to separate.
Brandon Knight
Although he was traded halfway through the season, you can’t help but to think what could have been if Knight was handling the ball in Milwaukee, instead of MCW. MCW fits Jason Kidd’s M.O. of go-go gadget armed players, but Knight is by far the superior talent.
Ersan Ilyasova
His departure was long overdue after seasons of failing to live up to potential. Ilyasova will become the Pistons problem for the part being and the Bucks are better off for letting him go.
Zaza Pachulia
I thoroughly enjoyed yelping “ZAZA” any time the Bucks former center had the ball in his hands. He was traded to the Dallas Mavericks who will certainly be in need of his talents thanks to DeAndre Jordan being a flake.
Biggest Strength
Youth and Potential
Earlier this year in our NBA League Pass article, the Bucks were rated high because of the immeasurable upside the young stars have to offer. The entire starting five is under 25 years old, and they are all continuing to improve.
Biggest Weakness
Point Guard
MCW is great in moderation, but it will be difficult for one of the best ever, Jason Kidd, to turn MCW into the Buck’s long-term point guard. The Bucks have deep point guard depth with capable backups, but in the point guard-driven league, the Bucks will need to find a concrete cornerstone for the future because MCW is unlikely to be it. This season is essential for MCW, as he will have the reigns for an entire season to prove he the right point guard for the Bucks.
Bottom Line
The Milwaukee Bucks will have one of the most exciting starting five’s in the NBA this upcoming season. With Jason Kidd at the helm, overall growth is all but certain as he has proved his ability to take young players and make substantial leaps in their productivity. The Bucks will certainly be in the NBA playoffs this year, most likely as 4-6 seed. A second-round exit wouldn’t surprise many, but the Bucks offer upside for even more. Look for the Bucks to be one of the most exciting and hungry teams heading into this season’s season and playoffs.
Fantasy Slant
Most Overrated
Khris Middleton
Middleton was absolutely fantastic last season, posting great shooting numbers and playing suffocating defense every night. Yet, his scoring was desperately needed for a team without a post-scorer at all. Now, with the return of two pure scorers in Jabari Parker and Greg Monroe, don’t expect Middleton’s numbers in any particular department to soar for a second straight season. He will be a reliable late round draft pick, but don’t reach for him based on his performance last year on a team that desperately needed him to score thanks to a meager 97.8 PPG (22nd in the NBA.)
Most Underrated
Greg Monroe
Monroe is capable of being a number one center on fantasy teams this season. An efficient scorer in the field and at the free throw line, Monroe won’t hurt you in any category. He isn’t a defensive-minded player, and probably won’t earn even a block per game, but a double-double is all but guaranteed on most nights. Without Andre Drummond there to vacuum rebounds, Monroe should have no problem being a top fantasy center this season.
Biggest Surprise
Jabari Parker
The NBA was robbed of an even more dangerous Bucks team last season due to Parker’s torn ACL. Before he went down, Parker displayed his power and footwork with the ball. With Monroe commanding attention on the block, Parker should have room to operate and use his elite scoring potential immediately. Parker could have a season like Middletown did last year.