As the Milwaukee Bucks wrap up the first half of their season with two games this week before All-star break let’s dive into grading how some of the team’s key players has faired so far!
First off let’s start with the fan favorite, starting center; Brook Lopez.
Splash Mountain
Lopez came into this season with many question marks after missing most of last season with a back injury. Questions surfaced with will Brook ever be the same with an older in age and coming off a back injury at such a late age. Well, Lopez has completely pushed through those concerns with an excellent season so far. Lopez has become an elite rim protector for the team this season, fairing near the top of the league in blocks per game with 2.5 per game, a career high. Lopez also has brought his offensive arsenal this season with his great touch around the rim and always his great three point shot; 37.5% this season. Lopez is a key piece once again to help push the Bucks over the top as he is averaging the most as a Buck with 14.4 points a game.
Grade: A
Next up let’s dive into the man everyone thought for sure would be dealt this season and that is Grayson Allen.
The Scapegoat
Allen seemed like a scapegoat for many fans when things get tough for the team at times since he’s arrived but he has been a very solid player for the team. While Allen is not the best perimeter defender he remains an above average three point shooter. And with Crowder coming in, Allen might not have as tough of defensive assignments. Part of why Allen most likely took himself out of trade talks was his play in the month of January averaging 11.5 points a game and 43 percent from beyond that arc.
Grade: B
We interrupt this article for a political message, never mind sorry it is just time to talk about the Mayor of Milwaukee; Bobby Portis.
The Mayor of Milwaukee
Portis has been excellent all season for the Bucks averaging 14.4 points a game and 10.1 rebounds a game in 47 games. As well as 29 double doubles which is tied for sixth most in the NBA! While Portis’s three point percentage, 34.1%, has been the worst in his years as a Buck, his energy and presence off the bench remains a key part of why the Bucks continue to win games. Unfortunately, Portis has a sprained MCL which has held him out since January 23rd, he just needs to continue to get healthy for when it matters most for this team!
Grade: B+
Fourth up is the closer for the Bucks, Khris Middleton.
Money Middleton
Middleton has dealt with a few different injuries this season which has held him to only 16 games. Money Middleton continues to ease into getting full game minutes as he still is not receiving over more than 25 minutes a game. And, he has definitely shown some signs of rust. But, the Middleton fans and Bucks know he is slowly starting to come back into his own as his last four games he’s played he’s averaged 18.8 points a game while only playing 21.8 minutes a game. Since he has only played in 16 games, his grade for the first half would be unfair at this point.
Grade: Too Early
Fifth up is the Maestro on both ends of the floor for Milwaukee, Jrue Holiday.
The Maestro
Holiday has stepped up mightily on the offensive end this season so far with Middleton missing a lot of time. Holiday has averaged 19.1 points a game, 7.1 assists a game, 5.2 rebounds a game all highs as a Buck. The excellent play on both ends of the floor has led Holiday into being selected as an All-Star for the second time in his career. Holiday deserves all the praise in the world with the weight he holds for his time night in night out on both ends.
Grade: A+
Last and certainly not least is who should be the real leader for the MVP conversation and that is: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Giannis has been nothing short of excellent this season averaging a career high 32.4 points a game. The Greek Freak also is tied with the most 40 point games in the NBA this season with 11 in 45 games this season. Antetokounmpo continues to dominate on offense and play extraordinary defense. The dominant play has led him to be one of two captains for the NBA All-Star game this season. If Giannis continues to play this way, fans can dream of another Finals appearance.
Grade: A+
The Bucks have been nothing short of amazing this season as they only sit 1 1/2 games behind the Boston Celtics for the first seed in the Eastern Conference. The team will have a new addition for the second half of the season with Jae Crowder being added as well and the team needs Middleton and Portis to continue to get healthy. The Bucks are playing exactly the way fans expected they would as April inches closer!
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FAQs
When Was the Last Time Milwaukee Bucks Won a Championship?
The Milwaukee Bucks’ latest NBA Championship was captured in 2021. Giannis Antetokounmpo was dubbed MVP, averaging 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game.
Who Owns the Milwaukee Bucks?
The Milwaukee Bucks are owned by a group of 20 investors. Major investors include Marc Lasry, Wes Edens, Jamie Dinan and Mike Fascitelli. Minority owners range from quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Gale Klappa, Executive Chairman of Wisconsin Energy Corporation.
How Many Championships Do the Milwaukee Bucks Have?
The Milwaukee Bucks have won two NBA Championships. The first came in 1971 under head coach Larry Costello. The latest came in 2021 under head coach Mike Budenholder.
Will the Milwaukee Bucks win the NBA Championship in 2023?
With another MVP-caliber season from Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks continue to lead the Eastern Conference Central Division. Kris Middleton is getting healthy and Brook Lopez is having a career year – signaling the Milwaukee will make another run at the championship in 2023.
Who Is the Greek Freak?
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the Greek Freak. He was given the name based on his home country, Greece, plus his freakish size and athleticism for an NBA power forward.
