What Is Next For The Bucks?
After a couple of games from Day 20 of the NBA Playoffs, I’m talking about some topics from yesterday. Today I will be talking about the Milwaukee Bucks.
After a couple of games from Day 20 of the NBA Playoffs, I’m talking about some topics from yesterday. Today I will be talking about the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Future of the Milwaukee Bucks
After losing to the Heat in the 2nd round and getting eliminated prematurely for the 2nd straight season, it is clear that the Bucks needs to make moves. What do the Bucks need to win a title?
I think that the Bucks need a real floor general. Eric Bledsoe is solid, but he is inconsistent and isn’t the scorer the Bucks need. Giannis is a great scorer but would greatly benefit from a pass-first point guard or a great perimeter threat. While Khris Middleton is good, he isn’t a great shot-creator. He is best at catch-and-shoot opportunities and is best suited for a Klay Thompson role, something of a 3rd option.
But Middleton is currently the 2nd option, which needs to change. So the Bucks need to make drastic changes this off-season. Here is what I recommend that they do.
Step 1: Fire Mike Budenholzer
While Mike Budenholzer has been successful with multiple teams such as the Hawks and now the Bucks, it is clear that he is a not a championship coach. While his schemes are great in the regular season, when they don’t work in the playoffs, he doesn’t deviate away from them. He refuses to make adjustments, as noted during the Heat series.
Budenholzer also doesn’t play his best players enough as Giannis and Khris Middleton didn’t play much during the start of the series. Only when Giannis was out and the Bucks were in danger of losing, Budenholzer trimmed his lineup.
So Budenholzer is a regular-season coach, not a playoffs one. Some coaches out there that could help are Tyronn Lue, who has coached Lebron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kawhi Leonard during his career. He is a mentee of Doc Rivers and is cut out for the job.
Billy Donovan is another candidate, and he has also been paired with super-stars before, with limited success, most of which wasn’t his fault.
Step 2: Trade For A Legitimate Perimeter Scorer
While Middleton is a good shooter, he can’t be the only guy on the perimeter. I think Middleton is better suited as a Klay Thompson type role as more of a catch-and-shoot shooter who stretches the defense. Giannis needs somebody else who can make shots from the perimeter and create for himself and others. The only option I see that can work is Chris Paul.
The Thunder just lost Billy Donovan, and it is clear that they might want to get rid of CP-3. While Paul had a great year, the Thunder couldn’t win when it mattered most. In a video, it also seemed like Paul was saying goodbye to OKC. Maybe Sam Presti said to Paul that he would play one season for the Thunder and then get traded.
I think that the Bucks trade Eric Bledose, George Hill, and a few picks to OKC for Paul. While that is almost all of their point-guard depth, here is why you do it. Chris Paul is a veteran who has seen everything. He is a great mid-range shooter, and somebody to rely upon in the clutch. He can run the offense from the top while Giannis is down low. Middleton provides space for Paul with his shooting ability.
And the Bucks don’t really need a backup point guard. We’ve seen Giannis run the offense, Khris Middleton has done it as well. Donte DiVincenzo can learn from Paul and help. So the Bucks don’t need a true back-up point guard as they have other guys that can do it.
Step 3: Clear-Up Cap Space
The Bucks have some bad contracts like giving Robin Lopez nearly $5 million dollars and giving DJ Wilson and Sterling Brown a combined $4.6 million dollars. If the Bucks get them off the books, they can get some more bench depth. Guys like Jeff Green and Carmelo Anthony are on the market. The Bucks could sign a few more dependable veterans to fill out the bench.
They need to re-sign Wesley Matthews, Kyle Korver (if not retired), and Pat Connaughton as well.
So starting next season, the Bucks will role out a lineup of CP-3, Wesley Matthews, Khris Middleton, Giannis, and Brook Lopez.
The bench would have Kyle Korver, Pat Connaughton, Donte DiVincenzo, and some other free agent signings like a Jeff Green.
So in short, the Bucks need to fire Mike Budenholzer. They need to find a way to get Chris Paul as it is a win now move. And they need to get rid of their bad contracts and sign some useful players.
This roster will be far more capable of winning a title, and if they are able to secure a title, than Giannis will likely stay in Milwaukee. So it’s a win-win for everybody involved.
What Are Your Thoughts On This Topic? Leave A Comment Down Below!
My Game-Day Thoughts From Day 21 of the Playoffs Will Be Posted Tomorrow, So Stay Tuned!
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