Hoops Habit
Fansided

Milwaukee Bucks: 5 steps they must take to reach the NBA Finals

By Thomas J. Brown

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Mike Budenholzer and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks look on against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Mike Budenholzer and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks look on against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Milwaukee Bucks (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Increase depth through internal development

One of Milwaukee’s problems this postseason was their lack of depth compared to the truly elite teams in the Eastern Conference. Miami showed that outside of their two All-Stars, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, they also boast elite role players who are not afraid of the big stage. Players like Goran Dragic, Tyler Herro, and Duncan Robinson all made key contributions during the Heat’s five-game dismantling of the Bucks. Khris Middleton exploded in Game 4 and Donte DiVincenzo performed admirably in Game 5. However, the depth of Miami, Boston and the healthy version of Brooklyn’s roster, far exceeds that of Milwaukee’s.

The aforementioned DiVincenzo is entering his third year in the league and next season he needs to take a great leap forward. While he doesn’t possess superstar potential, it’s not unthinkable that he reaches the level of his veteran teammate Kyle Korver. In his prime, Korver was a player who no opposing coach would willingly leave open for an uncontested 3-pointer; he even made the All-Star team one year as a member of the Atlanta Hawks. DiVincenzo possesses a similar skillset and he’s a better athlete than Korver; he’s got to become more assertive on offense next season.

In general, Milwaukee must empower its younger players to really see themselves as valuable contributors and not just young guys along for the ride. D.J. Wilson is an athletic power forward, entering his fourth season, who’s career averages of 4.1 points and 3.0 rebounds per game must see dramatic increases. Frank Mason III is actually eight months older than his superstar teammate, Giannis Antetokounmpo, but he’s only got two years of NBA experience under his belt due to a four-year stint as a Kansas Jayhawk.

Now, entering year three as a pro, he must make up his mind that he wants to take veteran Eric Bledsoe’s job as the team’s starting point guard. Complacency doesn’t do anyone any good. If the Bucks are going to improve as a unit, their young players must first be committed to improving as individuals.

Home/Milwaukee Bucks