Preseason NBA Power Rankings 16-30

Apr 30, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks fans hold up a sign during the game against the Chicago Bulls in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Chicago won 120-66. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

19. Milwaukee Bucks
Projected Record: 40-42

The Cinderella team of the 2014/15 season was most certainly that of the Milwaukee Bucks.  Rising from the ashes of a 15-67 season, they needed just one year to finish at the magical .500 mark at 41-41.  BUT….  with every Cinderella story, once you get to the dance, it’s awfully difficult to keep your glass slippers on.

This off-season, the team has signed center Greg Monroe.  Some herald the arrival as the missing link to long-term success, and in some ways, I can see their point.   But the man in the middle blocks virtually nothing, which means that when he is on the court, pressing inside to the basket has a much better chance of success.

And he averages over 30 minutes a game.

No, I don’t see this as a major “OMG!” issue.  But with a team so recently returned to the playoffs, it’s enough to give me thoughts that this year will be one of retrenching.  Perhaps everything will work out quite smoothly, and the team will threaten to go advance in the playoffs.

But that is a limb that is too shaky for even me to walk out on.

Next: Jazz