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NBA Christmas: A gift for each team’s wish list in 2018

By Gerald Bourguet

Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /
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Milwaukee Bucks: A Finals run

Getting Giannis Antetokounmpo past the first round of the playoffs is step one, but with head coach Mike Budenholzer optimizing the Greek Freak and the rest of his teammates like never before, the time is now for the Milwaukee Bucks. This present is on a bit of a time delay, but on paper, this team has what it takes to challenge for a spot in the Finals.

A deadly 3-point attack and top-five offense? Check. Tons of length and a top-five defense? Check. The NBA’s best point differential? Check. The best player who could take over any potential seven-game series? Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors might have say something to say there, but other than that, check.

An Eric Bledsoe trade would normally be something to consider here, but the Bucks appear to be all in, and rightfully so. The John Henson/Matthew Dellavedova trade already freed up cap space to re-sign Khris Middleton, so for 2018-19, this team’s goal — and a realistic one at that — should be winning the East.