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*Photo via Getty Images
Hey Giannis Antetokounmpo and Michael Carter-Williams, what are you guys looking at? Oh, you’re looking up at your future? I dig that.
The Milwaukee Bucks began the 2014-15 season as an afterthought in the Eastern Conference. They ended up being the surprise of the year, finishing sixth in the Conference and pushing the Chicago Bulls to six games in their first round series. After a successful offseason, the Bucks enter the 2015-16 as a team continuing to rise. There will be no more surprises going forward, Milwaukee has arrived.
The Bucks made a splash this offseason when the signed big man Greg Monroe to a 3-year, $51 million deal and re-signed shooting guard, Khris Middleton to a 5-year, $70 million contract. They also drafted 6’6” guard Rashad Vaughn 17th overall in the 2015 draft. However, their biggest addition will be the return of a healthy Jabari Parker.
*Photo via USA Today
Parker was limited to 25 games last season after tearing his ACL. Along with his return and improvement, the aforementioned Greek Freak Alphabet, MCW and Middleton will also improve. These Bucks are young, talented and hungry to build off 2015’s step forward.
The front office has done a great job building a team through the draft and adding free agents when needed. The Bucks currently retain all of their future firsts and could possibly have four additional second round selections. All players are on friendly deals with majority of their core locked up for at least the next three seasons. They may not be in the running for superstars, but will attract high level role players who can take them to the next level.
This team is already great on defense; They are littered with versatile length at all positions and are a matchup nightmare. Where Milwaukee needs to improve is when they have the ball. Their roster is filled with players who are young and can’t really shoot. Under head coach Jason Kidd, who developed a consistent jumper during his playing days, expect these young guns to improve on the offensive end. The Bucks core should be hitting their prime just as LeBron James, supreme ruler of the Eastern Conference, begins to decline. When that day comes, everyone will Fear the Deer.
Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com, NBA.com, ESPN.com
Salary cap and contract information courtesy of Spotrac.com, Hoopshype.com, Basketballinsiders.com
Future draft commitments and rosters information courtesy of RealGM.com