2021 NBA Playoffs: Contender or pretender with all 16 teams

2021 NBA Playoffs: Contender or Pretender – Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks under head coach Mike Budenholzer found the best way to maximize winning around their franchise star Giannis Antetokounmpo. They spaced the floor on offense, protected the rim on defense and put the ball in his hands whenever possible.

Unfortunately, playoff basketball is about taking away what you do best, and when elite defensive squads with elite strategic coaches took away what the Bucks did best, they did not have the personnel or the experience needed to counter in a successful way.

That has changed this season, with hesitant playoff shooter Eric Bledsoe swapped out for Jrue Holiday, who brings even more defensive versatility than Bledsoe while having the ability to create shots for himself on the other end. Wall off the paint for Antetokounmpo and now Holiday or Khris Middleton can break you down.

The Bucks aren’t as deep as they used to be, but they have more options and will be harder to shut down. If their role players can step up to a decent level, their stars can absolutely lead them to a title. Mike Budenholzer is a potential liability against some of the elite coaches in the league, but this team is every bit a true contender and matches up well against the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.

Verdict: Contender