It’s a tough task for the Milwaukee Bucks if they want to repeat their legendary championship run in 2021. The Eastern Conference has gotten significantly better since their last title win, with the Boston Celtics, the New York Knicks, and the Philadelphia 76ers among the favorites to make a serious run for the title.
The Bucks will still have a great chance of making a deep playoff run with the star duo. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are among the best active scorers in the league, and either man can take over scoring responsibilities whenever they’re on the floor.
However, winning in a league as competitive as the NBA takes more than just having two outstanding superstars on the roster. The rest of the squad must also do their part if they want to hoist another banner at the Fiserv Arena.
While the likes of Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez naturally have the coaching staff and fans expecting more, the second unit also needs to do its part. One analyst makes an intelligent guess on how the Bucks bench would fare in the coming seaason.
Analyst makes bold prediction for the Milwaukee Bucks bench ahead of the 2024-25 season
Dalton Sell of Behind the Buck Pass wrote a detailed piece about what the Bucks bench should do if they want the team to become successful in the coming season.
Sell wants Bobby Portis to set the tone for the bench unit, though he doesn’t think he has what it takes to become the team’s defensive anchor:
Portis needs to set the tone with his rebounding, scoring and perimeter shooting; at this point, the odds are him turning things around defensively seem slim. If Bobby Portis can do those things while keeping a level head on not getting ejected in crucial moments, there’s a chance this is the year he breaks through and finally takes Sixth Man of the Year honors home for himself.
He put squarely pressure of being the defensive stalwart on Taurean Prince‘s shoulders. While it may take a while for the former Minnesota Timberwolves forward to get used to Doc Rivers’ system, he needs to make up for Portis’ unpredictable nature.
Sell also highlighted the need for AJ Green to step up with his long-range shooting. He expects Andre Jackson Jr. also to provide defensive cover. Finally, Delon Wright would have to do a lot as the second unit’s floor general.
The season will be long for the Milwaukee Bucks. The previous season showed how tough the East is becoming. However, they can get to the top four seeds as long as Bobby Portis and the rest of the bench step up.
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