10 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season
7. The Milwaukee Bucks earn a top-four seed in the East
The top of the Eastern Conference feels wide open this season. Between shakeups to the Boston Celtics’ and Cleveland Cavaliers’ rosters, the Toronto Raptors losing a few key bench pieces and the Washington Wizards failing to address their bench problems, a year of internal improvement and continuity could throw the Milwaukee Bucks into the category of Eastern elite.
Okay, so maybe a 42-team from last season isn’t going to suddenly steal the No. 1 seed, but it’s impossible to have watched Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s breakout year and NOT be excited about what’s coming in 2017-18. He’s already a dark horse MVP candidate, which is terrifying for the rest of the league.
It’s not just the Greek Freak though. Even with Jabari Parker still recuperating, Khris Middleton will get to shake off the rust and re-establish himself as one of the NBA’s most underrated 3-and-D wings. Malcolm Brogdon is the reigning Rookie of the Year, Thon Maker will continue to improve and Tony Snell proved he fits in perfectly with this team.
Don’t be surprised when the Bucks blow the doors off preseason expectations and replace one of the Raptors or Wizards in the top four of the Eastern Conference standings.