MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – APRIL 07: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during the … [+]
For the first time since pulling off a blockbuster trade to acquire Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks have an entire offseason to tailor their roster to maximize his strengths. The first significant opportunity to do so arrives on June 26 and 27 during the 2024 NBA Draft.
Armed with the 23rd and 33rd overall picks, the Bucks have two prime opportunities to inject fresh talent into their lineup. While this draft might not be brimming with future Hall of Famers, there are plenty of promising role players who could make a difference next season.
Milwaukee could also package one or both of those picks, plus a player like Pat Connaughton, Bobby Portis, or Brook Lopez, and throw in their 2031 first-rounder to acquire a seasoned player via trade. The possibilities are tantalizing, and the Bucks have several pathways to bolster their lineup.
Whatever direction they choose, one thing is clear: Milwaukee must address one or more of their three biggest needs to maintain their championship aspirations. The pressure is on, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Let’s dive into the options and potential impact of their upcoming decisions.
1. Athleticism
If it wasn’t clear before the playoffs, it was neon-sign-in-Vegas clear after them: the Bucks simply don’t have the athleticism to keep up with the NBA’s best. The Indiana Pacers made this painfully obvious, running circles around Milwaukee in both the regular season and postseason.
Outside of the Greek God Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are in dire need of some serious athletic infusion at almost every position. They could work wonders by drafting a high-flying big like DaRon Holmes II or Kel’el Ware, or snagging a wing with jet engines for legs like Terrance Shannon Jr.
Whichever direction they decide to take, the Bucks should aim to add a player who can get up and down the court with ease and play above the rim. It’s time for Milwaukee to inject some much-needed speed and explosiveness into their lineup.
2. Point of Attack Defender
After trading away Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee found themselves relying on Malik Beasley as their primary on-ball defender last season—a role he had never played at any level of basketball before. Then came Patrick Beverley, swooping in at the trade deadline like a caffeinated guard dog. While it’d be lovely to have Beverley back, the Bucks still need to land a premier on-ball defender before next season kicks off.
Damian Lillard is an undersized point guard who will be busy turning defenses into Swiss cheese. What Milwaukee really needs is a backcourt buddy for Lillard who can handle a buffet of defensive assignments, from zippy point guards to bulky wings. At the very least, they need someone who can clamp down on those bigger players.
While adding someone who can also space the floor would be beneficial, it isn’t a necessity with Lillard and Khris Middleton in the lineup. The priority for now should be acquiring a defender capable of shutting down the types of players they’ll face in the Eastern Conference.
3. Ball-handler
The other glaring weakness exposed in the playoffs was the Bucks’ shortage of ball-handlers. With Antetokounmpo out and Lillard hobbled, the Pacers seized the opportunity to press Milwaukee 94 feet from the hoop, applying relentless pressure that the Bucks struggled to handle.
Sure, the Bucks’ big three offers some ball-handling options for Doc Rivers, but it’s clear they need to bring in another point guard, combo guard, or wing who can handle the rock as a primary duty. Relying on Pat Connaughton as an emergency point guard? That’s a recipe for disaster next season.