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NBA 2015-16 Team Previews: Milwaukee Bucks – Team Futuristic

By Anthony Nguyen

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Milwaukee Bucks

Our NBA 2015-16 Team Previews continues in the Central Division, next up The Milwaukee Bucks:

Record:  41-41, 6th in the Eastern Conference,  3rd in Central Division, Lost in 1st round of playoffs

Rank: Offense: 100.5 (25)   Defense: 99.3 (2) Differential/Net: plus +1.2 (14) Pace: 96.5 (12)

2014-15

Key Stats:

  • Head Coach Jason Kidd stepped in last year leading Milwaukee to a 41-41 record. Before Kidd’s arrival the Bucks were 15-67.
  • Ranked second in defensive efficiency allowing .990 points per possession via Teamrankings.com
  • Forced opponents to 17.4 turn overs per game.

Off Season Moves

Key Areas Needing Addressing:

  • Too often the Bucks lacked spacing on the floor which lead to a lot of non efficient offensive possessions.
  • Milwaukee really struggled on the glass last season averaging only 49.6 rebounds per game good for ranking 26th overall.
  • Ranked 28th in offensive efficiency.

Draft:   Rashad Vaughn   was selected 17th in the first round of the draft

Player Additions/Players Re-Signed:

Players Exiting:

2015-16

Core Players:  Michael Carter Williams, Khris Middleton, Jabari Parker, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greg Monroe

Key Reserves:  Greivis Vasquez, John Henson, Jerryd Bayless

Outlook

Rising Star:

Think back to the first player you’ve ever created on an NBA video game, he was taller than everybody else, just as fast as the little guys and his wingspan was just insane. The Greeks have somehow found a way to bring that player to real life and have sent him over to the States to pity every fool that dares step to step in front of him. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a freak by all means. Here’s a guy who came into the league at 6’9 and has now shot up to 6’11. Doctors are saying that the the “Greek Freak” will continue to grow due to his growth plate remaining open.

Entering the league Giannis was a raw talent with elite physical attributes. He since then has improved on every aspect of his game except for his stroke from three. Wrecking havoc defensively with his 7’3 wingspan, Giannis has made himself one of the league’s most intriguing players by having notable performances against today’s top offensive weapons.

The “Greek Freak” has an all around feel offensively for the game but is limited by his struggles from deep. Doing most of his damage going to the rim, it is nearly impossible to keep Giannis from getting good penetration. The man can go the lengths of the floor in two dribbles… yes 2.

On The Bubble:

I wouldn’t say anyone is necessarily on the bubble because this is a young roster with exciting potential but point guard Michael Carter-Williams is a player who needs to be more consistent if the Bucks want to take the next step. MCW has a tough time shooting the ball which limits his offensive production but has a lot of intangibles because of his physical gifts being a 6’6 point guard.

His numbers may have been inflated being with the Philadelphia 76ers but being on a roster that has NBA level talent Carter Williams has to be a better distributing point guard. Sporting a 1.7 turnover to assist ratio, MCW is often times late on his reads where he’ll miss a wide open teammate or force the issue.

This will most likely be improved as he is playing for arguably one of the greatest pass first point guards to ever step foot on the NBA hardwood.

X-Factor:

The off- season signing of Greg Monroe was a cry for offensive flair. As stated above, Milwaukee struggled offensively with a lack of any offensive versatility. Outside of Khris Middleton, theirs not one player who can consistently shoot the ball. Theirs not one guy that will demand double teams on the block with his back to the basket. Now with Monroe, the presence of a low post threat will possibly lead to cleaner looks for the Bucks. Monroe can just about bully his way to the basket against any defender when given time and is an exceptional passer from the block to elbow when need be.

Defensively Milwaukee is arguably the most aggressive team in the NBA. They love to overload the strong side in hopes of everyone being on the same page rotation wise. This requires everyone on the floor to have quick feet and disciplined defensive habits. Monroe has been known to be flat footed while consistently showcasing bad habits over gambling in passing lanes and not going all in on recovering efforts.

Best Case: 

Dubbed by many as “Team Futuristic” the future may be coming sooner than you think. Think about it like this, whose the clear cut favorite out of the east? Lebron James and the Cavaliers. How’d they get to the finals last year? Lebron bullying every under sized peasant who stood between him and the rim. Milwaukee’s size and versatility defensively is a gift that grants them access to match up with just about anyone in the league. Eastern Conference Finals.

Worst Case:

Greg Monroe never really finds his niche and the shooting woes continue. First round exit to the Washington Wizards.

Prediction:

Early season struggles should be expected for the transition of newly acquired big Monroe. Come early December things will start to gel and talks of the exciting one two punch of Giannis and Jabari will start to emerge. Milwaukee will continue to be one of the league’s premier defensive units but the lack of outside shooting will ultimately be what keeps this team from entering contender talks.

Games versus the Houston Rockets

  • January 22nd at Toyota Center in Houston
  •  February 29th at BMO Bradley Center in Milwaukee

Fansided Affiliate Site:  Behind the Buck Pass

Make sure you catch up on our entire Team Preview Series, our Houston Rockets Player Profile Series as well as our SCS Round Table Sessions to help you get through the early season. Start your morning with SCS Rocket Science Daily and visit us throughout the day to keep abreast of all your Houston Rockets news and updates.

Next: Raptors Preview

Next: Rockets Preview

Next: SCS Complete Round Table Sessions

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