The NBA regular season is nearly underway, and the Milwaukee Bucks are on the cusp of something pretty special. Giannis Antetokounmpo has tore up the European National League and looks primed for another MVP caliber season. Jordan Nwora has re-signed, and Grayson Allen will look to take another step forward this year.
The season will begin before the Bucks get fully healthy. Newly acquired Joe Ingles, and Khris Middleton are still recovering from injuries. The Bucks could certainly be a threat, but let’s take a look at what Bleacher Report has to say.
Bucks Ranked Top 5 for Offense
The Milwaukee Bucks were ranked in the top five list noted above. However, they were ranked as the fifth team with multiple question marks going into the season. The first starts with Khris Middleton and his return timetable. During Bucks media day, Middleton provided some information about his timetable, but not much.

Middleton is expected to miss the start of the season, and he stated he should be back “Hopefully soon after that” when referencing the opening of the season. Along with Middleton, the Bucks will also be down Joe Ingles due to an injury. Ingles is scheduled to come back in December, but it is likely he won’t see significant minutes again until January.
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The offense is still a force to be reckoned with despite the injuries to start the year. Giannis Antetokounmpo shredded his way through the Euro League and showed no signs of regression. There is no doubt Antetokounmpo is the heart and soul of the Bucks, another MVP caliber season could help propel the team forward. Especially after the solid progression of Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen last year, who both might see the court significantly more to start the season.
What is Holding the Offense Back?
The main argument the list makes is that the Bucks will have to rely on Connaughton and Allen, or Nwora as well, to step up in Middleton’s absence. The bench played well last year, and Connaughton in particular looked good, but someone will need to help fill the gap.
Middleton is a 20 points per game scorer which is certainly not easy to replicate. It will most likely have to be a team effort with players being used in certain situations. Nwora should see time in defensive situations and Allen will be looked at for a quick three. Coach Mike Budenholzer never hinted at one specific player the team will go to in Middleton’s absence, so expect a variety of looks.
The reality of the situation is the Bucks will be a top five offense, following the recovery of their injured players. There isn’t anything to worry about regarding the status of either player as well. By January, the Bucks should be fully healthy at their peak of the season.
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