I don’t mean to borrow Gen Z slang as a Millennial, but there’s really no better word for it – the Milwaukee Bucks have looked mid since winning the championship in 2021. That might even be generous, considering they’ve won just one playoff series since then and have suffered three consecutive first-round exits.

Still, they have the damn Giannis Antetokounmpo Express, which is always guaranteed to ram through the opposition and carry the team to whichever spot.

WHAT’S NEW?

Part of “What’s new?” on the Bucks is who’s no longer around, most notably Brook Lopez, Pat Connaughton, and Damian Lillard. All are significant – Lopez and Connaughton were longtime Bucks and part of the 2021 title run (now with the LA Clippers and Charlotte Hornets, respectively). The All-Star Lillard, meanwhile, was waived and stretched following his Achilles tear this past April – a mere two years after being traded to Milwaukee.

As replacements, the Bucks’ made two notable signings this off-season: first, Myles Turner for four years, $108.8 million, arguably the biggest surprise in free agency as he was with the Indiana Pacers for 10 years despite all the trade rumors and they just came off an NBA Finals appearance. Second, Cole Anthony, a ‘microwave’ guard that may prove to be an underrated addition.

BIGGEST QUESTIONS

Yes, Giannis Antetokounmpo is a low-profile guy–at least compared to other NBA superstars– and he, by all accounts, has shown his love for Milwaukee. However, with all the up-and-down energy on the team, his desire to stay will remain in question until they suddenly return to form as a powerhouse in the East.

Of course, there’s the Doc Rivers paradox. He is a veteran and champion coach that has helped mold plenty of All-Stars across eras – a motivational type of coach that has a way with words even. However, hovering above all that is his list of playoff shortcomings. That will continue to haunt Rivers until proven otherwise, whether by overthinking or under-adjusting schemes, as we’ve seen time and again.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Giannis will be his usual self on the floor, and he will stay as a focal point on both ends. It will be interesting to watch the fit between his new frontcourt mate, though. Turner is a shot-blocking artist with a sweet touch from the outside, much like Lopez, except younger and more capable on offense. Both have adjustments to make, but once they get a good feel for it, which they already have now for all we know, that paint will be tough to handle.

The secondary bunch that mainly consists of Anthony, Kyle Kuzma, and Kevin Porter Jr. are in this mix. Lillard is a big-time scorer that (rightfully) took away scoring opportunities from others, so now that he’s out of the picture, guys have a much clearer path. We can expect at least one to step up nicely, but all three may get dangled in the trading block if they don’t respond quick enough.

REASON FOR CONCERN/OPTIMISM

It’s a new season and the Bucks reloaded with a younger frontcourt piece that may very well empower Giannis in a different way, sprinkled with role players that have something to prove.

Then, there’s the weakened Eastern Conference – the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers will be without Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton for likely the rest of the season, respectively. Further, while the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat are fellow contenders, none appear to be significantly ahead.