NBA: Ranking the teams in the Central Division for 2017-18

2. Milwaukee Bucks

It now appears the Bucks are simply waiting for the inevitable to happen: LeBron James moving on from the Cavaliers and Milwaukee taking their place as Central Division champs.

Unfortunately, James is still in the division. That means Giannis Antetokounmpo and co. will have to wait another season to usurp the Cavs.

Unlike every other team in this division, they will walk into next season with continuity. They return nearly every single player of importance from last year’s team that lost to the Toronto Raptors in six games in the opening round of the playoffs. Only Michael Beasley and Jason Terry are gone from last year’s rotation, and even Terry could re-sign since he’s still a free agent.

The Bucks’ biggest improvements will come internally. With a young core of Antetokounmpo, Malcolm Brogdon, Khris Middleton and Thon Maker, the hope is they can continue to get better. If they are each able to take the next step in their development, it will provide all the boost Milwaukee needs.

If Parker is able to return around the All-Star break, he will basically serve as a midseason trade acquisition. There’s no way he will be even close to 100 percent, but even if he can give him half of the offense he showed last season, that will be very helpful.

They, like the Pacers, finished last season with a 42-40 record. Given the inevitable growth of their young players, Milwaukee should take a considerable step up in the win column.