2019 Eastern Conference Finals: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Toronto Raptors preview
By Ananth Para
Key Question No. 1: Which co-star shines brightest?
Now that the main event is solidified, it’s time we ask the key question that has been plaguing so many teams on the verge of title contention: Which starter evolves into a star?
For instance, we have finally seen the evolution of CJ McCollum, who was universally viewed as a high-end starter/fringe star to an undeniable star, with no better evidence than his 37 points in the Portland Trail Blazers’ Game 7 victory against the ultra-talented Denver Nuggets.
Which NBA starter will show up as a dependable second or third option for both the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors?
When viewing the Bucks’ offense, there’s an established No. 1 option (Giannis Antetokounmpo) and a solid wingman (Khris Middleton). But outside of these two Bucks, no one else can really be relied upon to carry the offensive load when Middleton or Antetekounmpo are on the bench.
Eric Bledsoe can be an option, but the inconsistent play that has plagued him for his entire career still exists from time to time on the Bucks. Malcolm Brogdon would be a justifiable choice if his foot injury didn’t derail the past month of his career, all but knocking him out of playoff shape to this point.
Nikola Mirotic may very well be the X-factor in this series, as the blistering start to his 2018-19 season indicated that Mirotic may have been on his way to stardom. However, he certainly hasn’t approached those same levels during his time in Milwaukee.
From the Toronto Raptors’ perspective, outside of Kawhi Leonard and rising star Pascal Siakam, well, the roster is a mess when it comes to reliable scoring.
On paper, the Raptors seem like a NBA 2K creation, but in actuality, the Raptors’ starting lineup is filled with underperforming veterans. Starting point guard Kyle Lowry is all too familiar with postseason shooting blunders (albeit some of them are overblown), Danny Green has gone cold this postseason (37.8 percent from the field) and a certain Spaniard center has yet to comfortably fit in his role as a tertiary distributor and a defensive wall for the Raptors.
Speaking of that Spaniard…