The expectations for the Milwaukee Bucks coming into this season were not all that high. Of course, when your best player has been in trade rumors all summer, it can’t be easy.
The first four games of the year for the Bucks have seen them with three wins, and their franchise superstar playing at an incredibly high level. Giannis Antetokounmpo has looked virtually unstoppable against every team that Milwaukee has gone against.
And in a year that is so important for the direction of the franchise, this is exactly what they needed to see.
The Milwaukee Bucks Recipe for Success
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The offseason for the Milwaukee Bucks was not a loud one. They did not bring any marquee names in from the free agent market, nor acquire any via trade. Rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded provided the main buzz around the team, following yet another first-round exit.
What they did do, was bring Cole Anthony in from Orlando. They extended their in-house sharpshooter AJ Green. They did toss a bag at Myles Turner, prying him away from their divisional rival Indiana Pacers. None of these moves seemed to please NBA pundits, as the win/loss projection opened at just 42.5 for the team.
Turner is averaging just nine points and seven rebounds, but has spaced the floor well. He and fan-favorite Bobby Portis have been holding it down as the second big when on the floor.
Through four games, it is clear what is working. Ryan Rollins is coming out and knocking down threes all over the floor as the starting point guard. Gary Trent Jr. and Green have done exactly the same. And when he comes off the bench, Anthony is not only knocking down some jumpers, but facilitating at a high level.
Giannis having a team around of shooters around him seems to be the best way to maximize the play of a giant who can dominate in the paint. If a double team comes, there will be somebody ready to catch, shoot, and fire right around him. A little reminiscent of the Dwight-Howard-led Orlando Magic.
The Bucks have wins over the Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, and New York Knicks thus far. The one loss came against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who they nearly rallied to beat after trailing by 20 points in the second half. No team has been able to blow them out, as the balanced scoring around their superstar has paid dividends.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Gunning for MVP?
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Through four games this season, Giannis Antetokounmpo has averaged 36 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists per night. He’s even made four of his seven threes, a smoother stroke finally showing up for him.
As it stands today (October 29), Giannis has the fifth-best MVP odds. While it certainly feels a bit low, it adds a little extra motivation for the Greek superstar. He has been all over the floor, and continuing to put his teammates in position to succeed.
As mentioned in section two, the late-2000’s Orlando Magic surrounded Dwight Howard with shooters at every position. They found a recipe that worked, and rode it all the way to the 2009 NBA Finals.
Through the first few games, it appears that surrounding Antetokounmpo with guys who can bury the three ball at every position is opening the paint how they wanted it to. He is getting open looks. He’s getting to the cup at will. And while four games is a small sample size, it’s refreshing to see the Greek Freak playing at this level.
Any rumors of the Bucks early demise seem to be greatly exaggerated. They’re right up there with the best of the East eight days into the season.
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