Predicting the NBA Eastern Conference standings: Milwaukee Bucks
CEILING: 1-seed, NBA champions
FLOOR: Top-4 seed, second round exit
The Bucks have a two-time MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo, who some would argue is presently the NBA’s best player. That alone establishes them as a perennial title threat and a serious contender for the No. 1 seed. In fact, Milwaukee was the No. 1 seed for the two seasons prior to last. Then, after slipping to the No. 3 seed in part due to early-season adjustments, they won the title.
There’s no reason Milwaukee can’t compete for the title again next season. They will not enter the season as favorites — a healthy Brooklyn squad almost definitely would have beaten them in the second round — but injuries are a part of the NBA, and the Nets aren’t getting younger. Milwaukee has already proven that, to a degree, it can exploit Brooklyn’s faults.
Losing P.J. Tucker stings, but with other important pieces returning and a couple smart additions elsewhere, the Bucks shouldn’t worry too much. Milwaukee has the best defense in the NBA when in tune, and the offense doesn’t lag too far behind. Milwaukee proved it can win in different ways this postseason, and now has pedigree and confidence to carry into future matchups.
With the NBA trending in the direction of true parity, it’s safe to bet against Milwaukee repeating. That’s simply a rare accomplishment for any team, much less one that doesn’t include Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. With that said, the Bucks are still firmly No. 2 in the East, with a significant gap between them and whoever is No. 3, be it Philly, Atlanta, or Miami.