5. Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton
There’s a strong case that the Milwaukee Bucks were a Kris Middletown injury away from making the NBA Finals this past season. That being written, the Bucks should still be a favorite in the East to make the finals this upcoming year.
They still have former Sixers point guard Jrue Holiday as their third-best player. They’re also a deep team with a supporting cast of Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Joe Ingles, and Grayson Allen. Let’s not forget about Giannis Antetokounmpo who’s the best power forward in the NBA today.
“He’s a borderline All-Star in the regular season, but he delivers when it matters most.”
Giannis already is arguably top-five power forward of all-time and he’s the most physically imposing power forward in the history of the game. He already has two MVPs, a Finals MVPs, and a Defensive Player of the Year award. There’s a good chance he can add to that collection this upcoming season as well.
During the Bucks’ finals run, Middleton showed himself to be a clutch player when the game is on the line. He’s a borderline All-Star in the regular season, but he delivers when it matters most. Hopefully, he can take another step in his production next season as well.