Athleticism Gap Poses Major Hurdle for Milwaukee Bucks in 2024-25 Campaign…
The Milwaukee Bucks have the talent and experience to contend for the championship next season, but a key statistic has revealed a potential issue ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
As the Bucks prepare for the new season, head coach Doc Rivers faces an important decision regarding the team’s athleticism and energy. Last year, the Bucks struggled to keep up with younger, faster teams, often relying too heavily on Giannis Antetokounmpo, their two-time MVP. This dependence highlighted a gap in the team’s overall explosiveness.
Rivers may need to incorporate younger players like Andre Jackson Jr. to boost the team’s agility. While less experienced, these players bring energy that could reinvigorate the lineup. Jackson, for instance, had 16 dunks last season, showcasing his ability to add excitement. However, introducing younger players carries the risk of disrupting the chemistry provided by veteran players in crucial moments. While the Bucks have added seasoned players like Delon Wright and Taurean Prince, they still lack the athleticism needed to compete at a high level.
According to Dalton Sell from *Behind the Buck Pass*, the Bucks have addressed many areas but still fall short in terms of athleticism. In a recent episode of ESPN’s *Hoop Collective Podcast*, it was revealed that outside of Giannis, who led the league with 251 dunks, only Brook Lopez reached 42 dunks, ranking 83rd in the NBA, while Bobby Portis had 22. The lack of athleticism from other players, such as Khris Middleton and Damian Lillard, who rely more on shooting, is evident.
Rivers must decide whether to integrate younger talent to address this issue. However, the Bucks’ limited cap space restricts them from acquiring more athletic players without significantly altering the team dynamic. A shift toward a younger roster could boost the team’s energy and help them compete more effectively against younger rivals, but balancing this change with experience will be critical for success in the upcoming season.
