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The Milwaukee Bucks are coming into the season as the defending champions, having won the 2020-21 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns in a 4-2 series victory. The Suns took a 2-0 lead, winning the first two games, and the Bucks made a massive comeback, winning the next four games to claim the title.
With the Bucks as champions, a lot is expected going into the new season, but like every other NBA team, they have some weaknesses that could be exploited and have them not meet expectations. Below are three of these weaknesses.
Three weaknesses of the Milwaukee Bucks which can be used against them in the 2021-22 NBA season
#1 Permeable defense
The Bucks had a good offseason with the signing of Grayson Allen from the Memphis Grizzlies, who's meant to be an alternative to Donte DiVincenzo as he recovers, George Hills, a better point guard than Teague, Tremont Waters, Semi Ojeleye and Rodney Hood as free agents and Johnny O'Bryant. They also selected the 54th pick, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and the 60th pick, Georgios Kalaitzakis, in the 2021 NBA draft.
While breaking off a winning team is advised against, the Bucks did not re-sign PJ Tucker, who was instrumental in their championship journey as an elite defender. An effective replacement was not secured, as Hill and Allen are nowhere close. Although their offense was further strengthened with more firepower, their defensive levels remain the same with no terrific addition, which could be their Achilles heel in the 2021-22 NBA season.
#2 Lack of depth in the center position
The Milwaukee Bucks center position has been a cause for concern for a while now, with no visible solution in sight coming into the 2021-22 season. The Bucks did not get any signings to plug this 'problem' during the offseason and worries continue as regards whether they made the right decision.
The lack of depth in center position was very much visible in last season's campaign, with Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis as the only options, both of which are somewhat average. The signing of O'Bryant might see him play for the Bucks as a center, although his favorite position to play is as a power forward. While he adds a huge presence to the team on the frontcourt in terms of size, he is not exactly a threat in that position.
#3 Excessive dependence on Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo took the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years and their second in the franchise's history, showing the world you can win a championship ring without joining a super team. He signed a super-max extension deal that would see him earn $228.2 million over the span of five years, which is said to be the largest deal in NBA history.
His decision to sign for the Bucks was one that was met with great delight for the Bucks and their fans and disappointment for franchisees who were ready to have him. The impact of his decision has been compared to that of LeBron James', joining the L.A. Lakers.
One wonders what the Bucks would be like without Antetokounmpo in the lineup, and surely wouldn't be the elite team it is now, that's for sure. But while him being a part of the team is a positive, it can also be a negative for the team. Having built the team around him, if he is out of sorts or injured, this will leave the team vulnerable and exposed.
