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Predictions For The Central Division In 2016-17

By Carter Johnson

Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, left in yellow cap, celebrates during the NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, left in yellow cap, celebrates during the NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gets defended by Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gets defended by Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Milwaukee Bucks

2015-16 Record: 33-49 (Last in Central Division)
2016-17 Prediction: 40-42 (Last in Central Division) 

The Milwaukee Bucks struggled early last season as they were trying to find their identity as a team with the continued growth of a young core and the addition of a elite-level free agent in center Greg Monroe.

Making Monroe the focal point didn’t work out and in the process of experimenting with different lineups, head coach Jason Kidd unleashed a gem and a star in the making in forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

This past February, Kidd made a gutsy decision to bench wayward point guard Michael Carter-Williams to the bench and make the 6’11” Greek Freak the team’s starting point guard.

The move paid huge dividends as Antetokounmpo broke out in the second half of the season, averaging 18.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists and posting five triple-doubles in 30 games as the Bucks’ floor general.

The Bucks unleashed a versatile matchup nightmare centered around the trio of Antetokounmpo, sophomore forward Jabari Parker and fourth-year guard Khris Middleton and the three absolutely terrorized opponents with their versatility for a stretch of the season.

Now, at the cusp of the 2016-17 season, the Bucks have built an identity as a team loaded with length and versatility and the potential to be a true matchup nightmare for the other 31 teams.

As if having Antetokounmpo at the point full-time next season and wings capable of playing multiple positions in Parker and Middleton wasn’t enough, the team also added a versatile forward with sky-high potential in Thon Maker through the draft.

These young Bucks will undoubtedly be exciting to watch next season and are in prime position to contend for a playoff spot at the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. With Kidd’s guidance, this team could become a very scary squad in the next few years.

Next: No. 4