Following a tough 127-95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, the Milwaukee Bucks have officially bowed out of playoff contention, snapping their impressive nine-year streak of postseason appearances. This marks a significant shift for a team that has been a staple in the playoffs, trailing only one other team in active playoff streaks.
The Bucks’ defeat was their 44th of the season, placing them alongside the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, and Indiana Pacers as teams watching the playoffs from home. With Milwaukee’s exit, the Eastern Conference playoff picture is set, leaving only the seedings to be finalized.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the heart and soul of the Bucks, missed his sixth consecutive game due to a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise. With the playoffs out of reach, Milwaukee might consider resting their star for the remainder of the season, focusing instead on a pivotal offseason ahead.
Here are five critical decisions the Bucks face following their playoff elimination:
1. Keep Giannis Antetokounmpo
The future of Giannis Antetokounmpo looms large over Milwaukee. As a two-time MVP entering his 13th season, retaining him is crucial. Despite recent playoff struggles, the Bucks need to demonstrate their commitment to building a championship-caliber team around their superstar.
2. Reassess Coaching Staff
It might be time for Milwaukee to reevaluate their coaching situation, with Doc Rivers at the helm. Despite his championship pedigree, Rivers hasn’t been able to guide the Bucks past the first round in three seasons. A return to Mike Budenholzer, who led them to a title in 2021, could be on the table.
3. Get Giannis a Co-Star
Successful Bucks teams have thrived with strong co-stars alongside Antetokounmpo. The current experiment with Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner hasn’t panned out. It might be wise to trade for a proven star who can complement Giannis effectively.
4. Build a Better Supporting Cast
Assuming Giannis stays for his 14th season, Milwaukee needs to construct a roster that gels well. This season, they’ve struggled, ranking in the bottom 10 in both offensive and defensive ratings, with a net rating of -6.3, the sixth-worst in the league.
5. Scout Well for the Draft
The upcoming draft class is touted as one of the deepest in years, sparking chatter about teams potentially tanking for better picks. Milwaukee’s first-round pick could be pivotal for their future.
Mock drafts suggest Arizona’s Brayden Burries, a 6-foot-4 guard, could be a great fit. They might also consider Tennessee forward Nate Ament to bolster their frontcourt.
The Bucks have some big decisions ahead, and how they navigate this offseason could shape their trajectory for years to come.