Milwaukee Bucks arguably have the most discussed offseason moves after their well-criticized 2024-25 postseason finish. They have made their preparations for to get back to contending but for critics, what they did are probably not enough.
ESPN released its initial and early power rankings for the new season and still got the Oklahoma City Thunder the team to beat despite their minimal moves this summer after winning the 2025 NBA title.
Houston Rockets came in second which largely has to do with their acquisition of Kevin Durant from Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and a few draft picks.
Where the does the Bucks rank? They are 14th overall for now according to ESPN. The interesting part here is they climbed from 16th spot before.
“The Bucks made perhaps the boldest move of any team this offseason,” the publication wrote.
“They waived guard Damian Lillard and stretched the remaining $113 million left on his contract over the next five years to sign free agent center Myles Turner. It was an unprecedented move, but one Milwaukee justified because of the opportunity to add an elite free agent fit next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. It also gives the team a chance to maximize its superstar’s prime with an extended title-winning window.”
Doc Rivers likes Milwaukee Bucks chances
Outsider believe there’s still a lot to improve on the Bucks side but the team see it differently. They are even feeling confident with the way things have gone.
Talking to reporters SiriusXM NBA Radio, Rivers believe the league is still wide open for years due to the lack of a dynasty.
“There’s no Bulls team right now. Now, Oklahoma scares the hell out of you because they could become that,” he said.
“But there’s no dynasty team right now. And so each year, if you are a good team, you actually literally have a chance to win. And so there’s gonna be a team this year, I guarantee you, that we don’t know right now that’s gonna be in the thick of things.”
Bucks also play in a weak Eastern conference with several players injured and to some, Antetokounmpo might be enough to lift them on their shoulders.
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