The Milwaukee Bucks really do have an amazing “all-time” line-up
NBA 2k has me really thinking: what would be the Bucks greatest all-time lineup?
There is a mode in the game where you can play one franchise’s “all-time team” vs another. It’s pretty cool.
The Deer District, with all of the cheeseheads, brats, and beer, is home to one of the most iconic NBA franchises: the Milwaukee Bucks. Let’s do a brief dive into the annals of Bucks history and put together the greatest Milwaukee Bucks line-up of all time, with a casual twist and an eye toward the future. (Spoiler Alert, could Damian Lillard be an “all-time top 5 Buck?”
(These are not in order. It simply is the top-five.)
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Oscar Robertson – The Original Buck
Any conversation about the greatest Bucks line-up has to kick off with the Big O himself, Oscar Robertson. The triple-double maestro graced Milwaukee with his skills in the early ’70s, teaming up with a young Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Robertson’s court vision, scoring ability, and leadership laid the foundation for the Bucks’ success.
Robertson played in 1,040 career games and averaged 25.7 points a game. A triple-double machine, the Big O also averaged 9.5 assists and over 7.5 rebounds a game. That is balance!
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Sidney Moncrief – The Defensive Dynamo
Fast forward to the ’80s, and you’ll find Sidney Moncrief locking down opponents and earning multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards. Moncrief was the heart and soul of those Bucks teams, providing a defensive tenacity that is the stuff of legends. His scoring (16 points a game) wasn’t too shabby either, making him a cornerstone of our dream line-up.
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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – The Skyhook Maestro
Now, how could we talk about the Bucks without mentioning the man with the most unstoppable move in basketball history? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominated the league during his time in Milwaukee, earning MVPs and leading the Bucks to their only NBA Championship in 1971. The skyhook was poetry in motion, and Kareem remains a Bucks icon to this day.
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Related: Giannis Pastoral- Is the greatest living Buck playing today?
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Giannis Antetokounmpo – The Greek Freak
Fast forward again to the present, and we can’t ignore the undeniable force that is Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak has redefined what it means to be a forward in the NBA, with his combination of size, skill, and determination. Giannis led the Bucks to an NBA Championship in 2021, earning Finals MVP honors and etching his name in Milwaukee lore.
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Ray Allen – The Sharpshooting Sniper
Completing our starting five is none other than Ray Allen, the sweet-shooting guard who lit up the scoreboard for the Bucks in the late ’90s. Allen’s deadly three-point stroke and clutch performances make him the perfect complement to this star-studded line-up. Plus, who can forget his iconic role in the classic basketball film “He Got Game”?
The Future Potential: Damian Lillard
As we bask in the glory of this dream team, it’s impossible to ignore Damian Lillard donning a Bucks jersey. The possibility of Lillard joining the ranks of Bucks greats adds an exciting layer to this fantasy line-up. Lillard’s deep range, fearless mentality, and leadership qualities could seamlessly blend with the Bucks’ rich tradition.
Imagine a backcourt duo of Allen and Lillard, a tandem that could redefine how we view the Bucks in the future. Would there still be all the complaints about the “lack of defense” when you have that much offense.
In the end, crafting the greatest Milwaukee Bucks line-up is a journey through time, blending the excellence of the past with the potential of the future. From Robertson to Giannis, and perhaps with a sprinkle of Lillard magic, this dream team will leave an everlasting mark on NBA history.
What about Kobe?
Nope, Kobe never played for the Bucks. But in NBA 2k you can trade him onto the team. Oh the stuff of fantasy!
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