Bucks 2024-25 Season Thread

[Heyjoe4]

The Bucks looked respectable against the Mavs tonight. Still having problems on defense. Kuzma could be putting up 30 points a game with Giannis and Dame. He just doesn't take too many shots, but he sure plays some shut down defense. Sims has shown some life, and others have been stepping up. I realize part of that reason is the Portis suspension but quite honestly, this is a good sign because they're getting more out of the rotations.

I'm not going to buy any tickets beyond the first round of the playoffs at this point, but it sure looks better today than it did the middle of December.

Good news V. As much as I hate to see Middleton leave, there comes a point where those trades just have to be made. Appreciate your observations on Kuzma. Sounds like a great addition.

 

[Heyjoe4]

The Bucks looked respectable against the Mavs tonight. Still having problems on defense. Kuzma could be putting up 30 points a game with Giannis and Dame. He just doesn't take too many shots, but he sure plays some shut down defense. Sims has shown some life, and others have been stepping up. I realize part of that reason is the Portis suspension but quite honestly, this is a good sign because they're getting more out of the rotations.

I'm not going to buy any tickets beyond the first round of the playoffs at this point, but it sure looks better today than it did the middle of December.

Thanks for the update V. Hated to see Middleton go, but that happens late in the careers of a lot of great players. He'll be remembered as one of the greatest Bucks.

Good news on Kuzma's play. Anyone on that team who can play solid D is welcome, so much the better if he can put up points.

Speaking of D, has Lillard always been this weak on D? He more than makes up for it with his offense. Just seems that in today's NBA, great players play great on both ends of the court. So don't get me wrong, I like Lillard, just don't see much D from him - almost the opposite of what Holiday did/does.

 

[Voyageur]

Thanks for the update V. Hated to see Middleton go, but that happens late in the careers of a lot of great players. He'll be remembered as one of the greatest Bucks.

Good news on Kuzma's play. Anyone on that team who can play solid D is welcome, so much the better if he can put up points.

Speaking of D, has Lillard always been this weak on D? He more than makes up for it with his offense. Just seems that in today's NBA, great players play great on both ends of the court. So don't get me wrong, I like Lillard, just don't see much D from him - almost the opposite of what Holiday did/does.

You're absolutely right on Lillard. He's never played defense. I think that's why he doesn't need to come out of games too often. He's only working out there half of the time he's on the floor.

Watching the Bucks, in Houston, it gave me a slightly different perspective. I can see where they lack on defense. The #2 & #3 has to wheel around the floor and be active to make up for Lillard's inability to play defense. That puts Lopez in a bad situation because he has to move up to contest the 10-12' jumpers, and Giannis has to surrender his strong side coverage. There's no rotation that makes up for that loss of pressure from Lillard.

To be honest, I hope they trade Lillard after this season. I'd go for a respectable player and at least one unprotected #1 picks and a second one that's protected, so switchable within one year.