(Photo : Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks pose for portraits throughout media day on October 02, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Milwaukee Bucks made a big splash with the offseason winding down, enhancing their roster by buying Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers, a member of the NBA seventy fifth Anniversary Team and one of many best level guards of all time.
This transfer instantly improved their odds of successful the 2024 NBA Championship, making them favorites on a number of betting platforms, with odds at +350 on Bet365, +375 on BetMGM, and +400 on Caesar’s Sportsbook.
However, regardless of the optimism stemming from this blockbuster commerce, there are a number of elements past the acquisition to think about when assessing the Bucks’ title possibilities.
Here are 5 explanation why the Bucks is not going to win the 2024 NBA Championship:
1. Lack of Depth
Even earlier than buying Lillard, the Bucks already had issues about their depth, and so they traded away two key gamers, Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen, as a part of the deal.
The workforce has exploitable holes on the purpose guard and the facility ahead spot if their starters can not play.
2. Aging starters
The Bucks’ projected beginning lineup for the 2023-24 season includes Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, Jae Crowder, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brook Lopez.
Notably, 4 of those gamers have already crossed the age of 30, with Middleton (32), Lillard (33), Crowder (33) and Lopez (35).
Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo will be the youngest at 28, however his vital position in carrying the workforce may result in greater put on and tear than his age would possibly counsel.
Additionally, his taking part in type, characterised by athleticism and physicality, might not age gracefully.
They have gathered in depth put on and tear from a number of deep playoff runs all through their careers, making them inclined to accidents.
3. Recent damage historical past
Middleton solely appeared in 33 common season video games final season attributable to present process wrist surgical procedure in the course of the offseason in 2022, lacking the primary 20 video games of the marketing campaign.
Upon his return, the 6-foot-7 wing struggled with points on his proper knee, and he subsequently underwent surgical procedure final June.
Antetokounmpo additionally went below the knife with a minor knee cleanup surgical procedure final summer season, which precipitated him to overlook the 2023 FIBA World Cup with Greece.
Lillard missed 24 video games, together with the ultimate 10 video games of 2022-23, attributable to a recurring calf pressure, which may result in worse accidents, comparable to an Achilles rupture, if not handled correctly. An stomach damage additionally pressured the previous Blazer to play solely 29 video games for the 2021-22 season.
Read extra: Clippers Eager to Complete James Harden Trade, But There’s 1 Problem
4. The Celtics added Jrue Holiday
Despite the Bucks’ preliminary perception that they prevented buying and selling their defensive stalwart, Jrue Holiday, to a rival workforce within the Eastern Conference by sending him out West, the Boston Celtics made a shocking transfer and secured the companies of this highly-regarded guard.
The three-time All-NBA Defensive First Team member additional boosts the Celtics roster and makes them an much more well-rounded workforce, which poses enormous bother for Milwaukee as they intention to make it out of the East.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo is exploitable within the playoffs.
The Bucks’ predominant man has a weak point that has been exploited all through the years: his free throw and outdoors capturing.
The two-time MVP transformed solely 14 of his 31 free-throw makes an attempt throughout their first-round loss in opposition to the Miami Heat final April. He has additionally drawn criticism for his free-throw routine at one level, which lasted greater than the mandated 10 seconds.
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