Milwaukee Bucks: 2018-19 NBA season preview
Predictions
It is easy to get overly hyped about the Milwaukee Bucks, especially with the strong early returns in the postseason. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a likable star, Mike Budenholzer an accomplished head coach, and there is a power vacuum in the East with the departure of LeBron James.
On the other hand, this is a team that has proven little in the postseason thus far. They still have questions about who is the best fifth-starter, how to close game, and whether Thon Maker can develop into a part of the core.
Budenholzer will improve the Bucks on both ends of the court, and it’s possible the impact is significant. Jason Kidd really was that bad when it came to installing modern schemes and managing anything during games — rotations, late-game decisions, interviews or much else.
The bump from simply having competency on the sideline will make this team better.
Antetokounmpo will benefit doubly from the offense Budenholzer will run. He will have more space to work with inside as the centers will be spaced out beyond the arc. He will also get the ball on the perimeter with more space to pull up and his outside looks.
Look for a step forward in scoring for the Greek Freak.
Last season the Bucks finished 12th in offensive and 18th in defensive rating, per Cleaning the Glass. If Budenholzer improves them to the eighth-best offense and 12th-best defense, the Bucks should get 48-50 wins and secure home court advantage in the East.
Their finish likely depends on the teams around them, but this team should be noticeably improved from last season.The Bucks will start strong and continue that way throughout the season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is an MVP frontrunner and ends up as the runner-up after leading the Bucks to 49 wins and the third seed in the Eastern Conference.
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Khris Middleton makes his first All-Star Game, Thon Maker takes a step forward and Mike Budenholzer is Coach of the Year. The Bucks defeat Washington in the first round before falling in a close series to the Toronto Raptors in the second round.