The Bucks should continue to be fully committed, especially since Giannis Antetokounmpo is just going to grow more and more of a Damian Lillard believer.

Good things are said to come to those who are patient. But can the Milwaukee Bucks afford to remain patient in the cruel NBA landscape? The Bucks, who were considered by many to be a serious championship contender before the season began after completing a blockbuster trade for Damian Lillard, never really got off to the start that many had anticipated. In the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs, Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play a single minute in a six-game series loss to the Indiana Pacers, which put an end to their hopes of winning a title.

There were a number of changes throughout the Bucks’ season. They traded in Jrue Holiday, their 2021 championship-winning floor general, for Lillard, a more potent scoring option, in return for Holiday’s steady hand at the point. As a result, their defense was compromised. Then, they fired longstanding head coach Mike Budenholzer in favor of Adrian Griffin, an unknown candidate. Griffin wouldn’t even play a full season since in January the Bucks traded him for Doc Rivers.

Even so, Giannis Antetokounmpo is aware that he and Damian Lillard have a bright future ahead of them. However, he of all people understands the importance of working hard and getting results; in the upcoming months, the Bucks star hopes to further solidify his bond with Lillard.

In a few weeks, after my rehabilitation is up, I’ll probably travel to Portland to hang out with Dame. That is essentially it. Walk, chat, have a seat, simply spend time together. It’s not required to involve basketball. Antetokounmpo stated, “Just spend time together,” as reported by Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Damian Lillard has actually demonstrated in the past that he is prepared to invest a significant amount of his summer time in fortifying his relationships with his teammates. Antetokounmpo’s efforts would so undoubtedly be rewarded. When the two Bucks stars reunite on the floor the following season, perhaps getting to know one another better on a personal level can help them find more on-court chemistry.

The Bucks need stability.

In the NBA, a team’s potential to challenge for a championship may be undervalued when it comes to continuity and stability. Look no further than the Minnesota Timberwolves. They experienced several highs and lows last season while attempting to include Rudy Gobert in the starting lineup. Similar to how the Bucks did in 2024, they were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round in 2023. But as of right now, the Timberwolves could be the most frightening team remaining in the postseason this year out of the eight.

The Bucks questioned the team’s identity and the ability of the new players to gel as a cohesive unit for a significant portion of the 2023–24 campaign. In particular, Damian Lillard had to adapt because he played a significant amount of his career as the Portland Trail Blazers’ top player. Lillard had to get used to Giannis Antetokounmpo, a player who was used more frequently in Milwaukee.

Maybe the Bucks can realize the full potential of the Lillard-Antetokounmpo combination now that they’ve spent a complete offseason getting to know one another better, both on and off the court.

“I’m sure I’ll spend the entire season getting to know the coach I’ll be playing for and getting a better sense of the guys I’ll be playing with being in Milwaukee,” Lillard stated. “I think I’ve gotten used to things here. When I return in the upcoming season, I believe that people will be genuinely shocked by the extent to which all of these things actually had an impact.

How much more skill can the squad get in addition to Dame and Giannis?

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, and Khris Middleton make up the Bucks’ starting lineup. That is a really strong basis for a club that wants to win a championship. However, the Bucks’ depth proved to be disappointing.

The Bucks will need to concentrate on bolstering their squad with defensive-minded players throughout this offseason. Pat Connaughton continues to contribute hustle, vigor, and a hint of shooting. Returning Patrick Beverley might help establish a defensive stance. Will they find it worthwhile to sign Malik Beasley again?

Milwaukee’s options for offseason trades are significantly limited because they are past the second tax apron. Will the Bucks give young players like MarJon Beauchamp and Andre Jackson Jr. the opportunity to advance next season? In order for the squad to have a chance to contend for the Larry O’Brien trophy, they will need to improve their defense, therefore they will need to step up.