Doc Rivers’ Strong Response to Perceived Disrespect Toward Milwaukee Bucks Ahead of the 2024-25 NBA Season

Overall, the Milwaukee Bucks have not made significant moves during the offseason. While they added players like Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright, these signings haven’t dramatically impacted the team’s prospects. Additionally, the Bucks seem to be overlooked as serious title contenders in some discussions.

Head coach Doc Rivers acknowledges that his team often gets neglected in conversations about top championship contenders, but he welcomes it as a source of motivation. Rivers believes this perception fuels the Bucks, who are eager to reclaim respect after a disappointing 2023-24 season.

“We’re aware of it. We notice it,” Rivers said, according to Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “We read the reports. You see you’re not playing on Christmas. There are plenty of small details to use as motivation. I don’t think I need to point them out. Ultimately, everyone starts with a clean slate at 0-0. My focus is on us becoming the best team we can be; our performance will speak for itself.”

Despite a relatively quiet offseason, the Bucks are preparing for a strong comeback. They struggled last season, finishing with a record of 49-33 after winning 58 games in 2022-23, even with the addition of future Hall of Famer Damian Lillard. However, with Rivers and Lillard now having a full offseason together and Giannis Antetokounmpo still leading the team, the Bucks remain a formidable opponent.

Currently, the Bucks are given +1300 odds to win the NBA championship in 2025, according to ESPN. In contrast, the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics, have +340 odds to secure the title again.