Milwaukee Bucks
After years of misusing Giannis Antetokounmpo in important moments, the Milwaukee Bucks finally have a competent coach. One might argue that Mike Budenholzer is an elite coach, falling somewhere in the 5-10 range among the NBA’s 30 lead decision-makers.
With a revamped system and a strong supporting cast, Giannis has quickly become an MVP favorite. He’ll have the numbers, and quite possibly the wins, to make that happen. The Bucks as a whole are going to exceed expectations this season.
Antetokounmpo can defend the entire positional spectrum, which is something Budenholzer can tap into. Using small-ball lineups, with Giannis manning the center spot, puts opposing defenses in a difficult position.
It’s not as though Giannis is without a co-star either. Khris Middleton is entering a contract year and, in a wide-open Eastern Conference, might make the All-Star team. In the same boat as Giannis, Budenholzer’s system will be much more favorable to Middleton’s production.
Brook Lopez is another name who cracks the list of most underrated signings. On essentially a mid-level exception, Lopez will add valuable shooting to the starting five. Putting multiple high-end shooters next to Giannis will give the Freak more room to operate.
During his successful Hawks tenure, Al Horford was Mike Budenholzer’s best player. He’s nowhere near as dynamic as Giannis. The Bucks can break through on both ends this season, securing a top-4 seed and challenging the likes of Philadelphia, Boston and Toronto in the Eastern Conference.
Final prediction: 51-31, No. 4 seed Eastern Conference