Heading into the 2017/18 season, the Cavaliers and Celtics were viewed as the heavy frontrunners to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals in the spring. However, the Cavs look vulnerable so far, having endured several bad losses already. And while the Celtics have been great, they’re not expected to get All-Star forward Gordon Hayward back this season, which may limit their upside.
The Wizards and Raptors are considered contenders in the East, and teams like the Pistons and Magic have been unexpectedly successful early in the season. But in the wake of reports that the Bucks are finalizing a trade to acquire Eric Bledsoe from the Suns, Milwaukee may have emerged as the most intriguing challenger for the conference crown.
The Bucks have gotten off to a modest start, losing five of their first nine games, but Giannis Antetokounmpo, the NBA’s leading scorer at 31.0 PPG, looks ready to compete for an MVP award; reigning Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon has taken another step forward this season; and Khris Middleton has been productive and healthy, recording 19.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 4.9 APG so far despite struggling with his shot.
Now, the Bucks are set to add another explosive playmaker to their roster with the acquisition of Bledsoe, and the veteran point guard isn’t the only notable mid-season addition Milwaukee will make in 2017/18.
The Bucks will also welcome back former second overall pick Jabari Parker at some point in the new year. Even though the Bucks played their best ball last season after Parker went down with his ACL injury, there’s no reason to believe he’d have a negative impact on the team if he’s willing to play a complementary role when he gets back on the court.
With Antetokounmpo, Middleton, Parker, Brogdon, and Bledsoe joined by a group of role players that includes Thon Maker, John Henson, Tony Snell, Matthew Dellavedova, and Mirza Teletovic, the Bucks have an intriguing mix of talent. Mitch Lawrence of Forbes makes the case that they’re capable of earning a top-four seed in the East. And if the Bucks get hot at the right time in the postseason, they’re a squad no team will want to face.
What do you think? Is this Bucks team capable of making a deep playoff run, or are they still a year or two away from taking that next step? Vote below in our poll and jump into the comment section to share your thoughts!
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Take over the central! We needed scoring at the guard position. This also takes pressure off Middleton to be a 20 pt scorer. I’ll miss moose but time to turn the center position over to thon. Henson is going to retire a Buck lol
I like the move for the Bucks. They have at this point the best collection of talent in the East. But will it gel? I think they can approach 50 wins this season but I don’t see them as a true contender quite yet. I’d loved to be surprised though
The Bucks have drafted for a particular stretched-out type and not so much for a competitive type. Bledsoe is that different more physical competitive type and that is probably good. But for the most part, they’re not really ready yet. 0-2 vs Cavs