It has been a 2021 to remember.
For the first time in 50 years, the Milwaukee Bucks captured an NBA championship. With the way the offseason has played out, one would think that is not the case. From sports media covering all the big markets to Kyrie’s COVID debacle, the Bucks continue to fly without much notice.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though.
https://twitter.com/nba/status/1448393126457061378?s=21
Free agency was a busy one for Milwaukee. After retaining fan-favorite Bobby Portis while losing P.J. Tucker to Miami, many wondered what else Milwaukee could add to their depth.
Grayson Allen and Rodney Hood will deepen the guard rotation while Donte DiVincenzo recovers from injury. Possibly the biggest addition of all was bringing back George Hill, a familiar face that will act as a seamless compliment to Jrue Holiday.
Giannis, Jrue, Khris, Oh My
With many new faces in the organization, it cannot be forgotten that the big three are still here and at the top of their game. The 2x MVP and Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo seems more that ready to do everything possible to repeat. Not having missed a step in his pre-season appearances along with Holiday and Khris Middleton, expectations can’t rise much higher.
Middleton Magic
25 PTS | 5 REB | 3 BLK | 2 STL pic.twitter.com/gW2tyO3G3H
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 14, 2021
It seems talent is at an all-time high around the league. There are several teams in both conferences primed to compete for the title. It is to be remembered, though, that the current champions reign in Milwaukee and that is to remain until they are dethroned.
With so many questions revolving the teams in the East, it seems it is Milwaukee’s to keep.
Uncertainty At Best
It can be argued the East will run through Brooklyn, but it’s impossible to gauge the true value Kyrie Irving possesses this season. Even without Irving, Kevin Durant and James Harden are more than capable of carrying the load when needed.
The Sixers find themselves in murky waters after yet another disappointing playoff exit. It feels for years the NBA world has been waiting for them to take the next step, but it never comes. Matters have only worsened with Ben Simmons‘ internal, now-external dispute with the organization. No one knows what is to come with the former No. 1 seed in the East, whether that is tomorrow, or next spring.
Sources: Doc Rivers asked Ben Simmons to join a defensive drill today. Simmons refused. Rivers asked again. Simmons said no again.
Rivers then told Simmons he should go home, and Simmons dropped the ball and left.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2021
As much as coverage should be on the NBA Champions, it is a relief that chaos is occurring everywhere else. Let the Bucks sail through the season just like last year– because we all know the real work comes in the playoffs. It’s plenty early, but with the way things look now, the Bucks’ expectations should be nothing less than a return to the Finals.
As Hall-of-Famer Doris Burke recently declared, can we stop disrespecting the champs? The league will learn soon enough, disrespecting them will be a grave mistake.
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