This Eastern Conference Contender's Window Is Closed
The Milwaukee Bucks went all out last season and traded Jrue Holiday and other assets for Damian Lillard. Year one was ultimately disappointing, as the injury-plagued Bucks lost in the first round. While this was only year one, here's why the Bucks' window of contending is closed.
Perimeter Defense
Over the last half-decade, teams have become increasingly dependent on generating a large number of three-point attempts. Generating and making more three-pointers is an excellent strategy to win in today's NBA. A clear example of this is the current 2024 champions, the Boston Celtics.
With the perimeter game being so important in the NBA, elite perimeter defenders are heavily sought after. The Bucks, with Jrue Holiday, consistently ranked as a top-five defensive unit. Holiday's ball pressure on the perimeter allowed Giannis to thrive as a help defender and Brook Lopez to thrive as a shot blocker.
With Damian Lillard, the Bucks ranked as a bottom-ten defensive unit, and their perimeter defense was ranked close to last. Having weak guard defenders puts additional pressure on Giannis as a help defender and overall as a two-way player. Teams also frequently target Brook Lopez, luring him out of the paint. The Bucks' defense is going to be a massive liability in the future.
Roster Age
Entering the 2024 season, the Milwaukee Bucks are the oldest team in the NBA. They are heavily reliant on their starting lineup and have limited depth off the bench. Having that much dependence on an already aging roster is a recipe for failure. In recent seasons, the Bucks have been plagued by injuries and never appear to be fully healthy for the playoffs.
Considering Damian Lillard is now 34, the Bucks have a limited window before he starts to decline. Overall, they did not show enough last season to be considered a serious championship team, and with an old roster already, their window for competing could be closed.
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