Milwaukee Bucks: Why the Bucks have the best Big 3 in the NBA

Health and longevity

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton are both in their 20’s. Jrue Holiday won’t turn 31 until the NBA Finals. Given the durability, youth and preparation of these three players, the Bucks have a core that can potentially win the NBA title this year and stay in contention for years to come.

When the phrase “Big 3” is mentioned in NBA circles this season, the Brooklyn Nets core of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving will come to mind. However, Durant and Irving’s extensive injury history cannot be ignored. While they’ve both been healthy this year, each has had multiple seasons greatly impacted by injury. Durant is 32, Harden is 31 and Irving is 28. While certainly not old by NBA standards, when the fact that all three players have multiple deep playoff runs under belt only adds to the wear and tear on their bodies.

Milwaukee’s three All-Stars on the other hand are among the most durable in the league. They are each chomping at the bit to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in their careers. It must also be noted that head coach Mike Budenholzer is a disciple of San Antonio Spurs legend Gregg Popovich. “Pop” invented load management when Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili began slowing down. To keep his Big 3 ready for the playoffs, he managed their minutes or kept them out of games entirely. Having witnessed this first hand, Budenholzer will make sure his best three players are well-rested and ready to go come playoff time.