Notable Moves:
Additions: Wesley Matthews, Robin Lopez, Kyle Korver, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Dragan Bender
Subtractions: Malcolm Brogdon, Nikola Mirotic, Tony Snell, Pau Gasol, Tim Frazier
Projected Depth Chart:
PG: Eric Bledsoe / George Hill
SG: Wesley Matthews / Pat Connaughton / Sterling Brown / Donte Divincenzo
SF: Khris Middleton / Kyle Korver / Thanasis Antetokounmpo
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo / DJ Wilson / Ersan Ilyasova / Dragan Bender
C: Brook Lopez / Robin Lopez
Sixty wins, two All-Stars, an MVP season for their franchise player, and a trip to the Conference Finals were some of the highlights for the Milwaukee Bucks last season. Then a man known as The Klaw put an end to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s fairy-tale season, and the Bucks had to regroup and make tough decisions.
Their starting 2-guard and 50-40-90 shooter Malcolm Brogdon now plays for Indiana. Their former 6th man Nikola Mirotic resides in Barcelona as the most expensive player in Euro League history. Tony Snell and Tim Frazier are in Detroit, and Pau Gasol is in Portland after suiting up for the Bucks three times.
While some consider that extending Bledsoe and consequently sending Brogdon to a division rival due to a lack of funds was a dumb move (“some”= me), the deed is done and the Bucks have rebounded nicely. Just like the Nuggets, this team runs two-deep at every position. However, Brogdon’s departure leaves the biggest question mark in the rotation and the answer may have to come by committee.
Recent signing Wesley Matthews is the most likely to start, but he’ll offer a fraction of Brogdon’s shooting efficiency and defensive tenacity. High flyer Pat Connaughton, 3rd-year guard Sterling Brown, and last year’s rookie Donte Divincenzo will need to take considerable steps forward this upcoming season to maintain the backcourt’s production. This spot is wide open and whoever plays the best basketball among the four will see a huge increase in minutes.
Even though the shooting guard position got weaker, the addition of Robin Lopez to play alongside his brother Brook aka Splash Mountain is one that will pay dividends during the season. A two-headed monster at center, the Bucks have the ability to employ sharpshooting shot-blocker Brook or pick & roll Robin to go alongside Giannis and shooters for 48 minutes.
Lead guard duties reside with Eric Bledsoe and George Hill. Bledsoe in particular needs to prove himself after an $80 million extension, followed by lackluster performances during the playoffs. 
Currently representing Team USA at the World Cup, Khris Middleton will look to improve upon his first All-Star season and become a more reliable second star to the Greek Freak. AntetokoumpBRO Thanasis and veteran sharpshooter Kyle Korver will be in charge of allowing Middleton to take a breather. While Korver will serve as a floor spacer, it’ll be interesting to see if Thanasis can offer something other than keeping his brother company *no shade, genuine question*.
DJ Wilson, Ersan Ilyasova, and Dragan Bender; their mission is allowing Giannis to rest until the playoffs. Ilyasova is strictly a shooter at this point, but Wilson has shown flashes in his two years and Bender will look to kick-start his career after a disappointing stint in Phoenix.
As for the MVP, he’s among the favorites to win it back to back this year. If team or individual numbers improve, the odds will be in his favor (ala Steve Nash & Steph Curry). Last year he dominated both offensively and defensively until Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals where he was neutralized by Toronto’s elite defense. He won an MVP without a consistent jumper or reliable post game. Any minor improvement in those areas should make him even more lethal than he already is and could propel the Bucks to a title as soon as next season.
Before the 2019-2020 NBA season starts, NBA Porkchop will take an in-depth look at each basketball team separately. Team transactions, player additions/subtractions through free agency, depth charts, and season projections will be discussed.
NBA PORKCHOP 