The Milwaukee Bucks have made a significant turnaround, advancing to the semi-finals of the NBA Cup after a rough start to the season. However, the team’s performance, especially in their recent victory over the Orlando Magic, is far from universally praised.
On the latest episode of Gil’s Arena, Gilbert Arenas, Brandon Jennings, and the crew took a deep dive into the Bucks’ journey, with Mr. B offering a strong critique of the team’s trajectory.
While Mr. B believes the Bucks’ energy and leadership from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard turned their season around, Arenas and the team were quick to point out the underlying flaws that have kept the Bucks from fully clicking.
The Bucks’ offensive system, largely driven by Giannis and Lillard, has been a point of contention among the crew. Arenas specifically criticized the team for relying too heavily on these two stars, with limited contributions from the rest of the roster. “It’s like watching early 2000s iso-ball,” Arenas remarked. “Giannis and Dame are doing all the work, and the rest of the guys are just spectators.”
The offensive struggles have been a consistent issue, with other players not showing enough movement off the ball or contributing significantly to the scoring. This lack of depth has raised concerns about the Bucks’ ability to contend against tougher teams as the season progresses.
The Bucks’ season seemed to be in jeopardy after a disastrous 2-8 start. But since then, they’ve bounced back with an impressive 11-3 record, now sitting comfortably in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Jennings acknowledged the improvement but warned that the team still has a long way to go before proving they’re ready for the postseason.
“Yeah, they’ve turned it around, but can they sustain it? That’s the big question,” Jennings said. The team’s resurgence has come thanks to the scoring punch from Giannis and Dame, but whether the Bucks can build a more balanced offense remains to be seen.
One of the most talked-about storylines has been the return of Chris Middleton, who is slowly getting back into form after missing the first 21 games of the season following bilateral ankle surgery. Middleton’s limited production in the three games since his return has left fans and analysts wondering how much he can contribute to the team’s success in the long term.
Arenas noted the difficulty in reintegrating Middleton into the lineup, especially after such a lengthy absence. “It’s tough for him to get back to that All-Star level right away. But if he can find his rhythm, it’s a huge boost for the team,” Arenas said.
With Middleton’s return and the team still struggling with offensive consistency, there’s speculation that the Bucks may look to make changes to their roster or coaching strategy. With Middleton holding a $34 million player option this summer, his future with the team is uncertain, adding another layer of intrigue to the Bucks’ plans moving forward.
“If they don’t win the NBA Cup or a Championship this year, don’t be surprised if some changes are made,” Jennings warned. Whether those changes come in the form of trades, strategic shifts, or even a coaching change, the Bucks’ current formula may not be enough to secure the ultimate prize.
Despite their offensive struggles, the Bucks still have reason to be optimistic about their chances in the NBA Cup, especially with Giannis and Lillard providing the offensive firepower. Both stars have been outstanding at various points of the season, with Giannis continuing to dominate inside and Lillard showing his sharp shooting touch.
The panel agreed that while the Bucks have work to do on both ends of the floor, they have the potential to make a deep run. “They’re not perfect, but if Giannis and Dame keep playing at this level, they’re a tough team to beat,” Arenas concluded.
The overall tone of the discussion in Gil’s Arena reflected a mix of critique and hope. While there are plenty of concerns about the Bucks’ offensive strategy and Middleton’s return, there’s no denying the team’s potential if they can find a way to gel as a unit. With a solid start to the NBA Cup and the continued excellence of Giannis and Lillard, the Bucks are still very much in the conversation as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
As they look ahead to the semi-finals and beyond, the Bucks must address their weaknesses and find a way to make their offense less reliant on two stars. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting—but with the right adjustments, Milwaukee still has the chance to make a run for the title.
