The 2024-25 Milwaukee Bucks are here.
On Monday, the team hosted its annual media day. Despite starting 15 minutes late and the live stream freezing and being reset numerous times, optimism and honesty were aplenty from a healthy chunk of the roster.
Here are some of the highlights.
Horst, Rivers Kick Off Bucks Media Day 2024
As expected, the first people on stage were Bucks GM Jon Horst and Head Coach Doc Rivers.
This offseason, there has been constant discourse about the Celtics, Sixers and now the Knicks being looked at as the frontrunners of the Eastern Conference. While it’s easy to assume players and staff on other teams don’t care nor listen to what the national media has to say, Doc refuted that.
Khris Middleton Health Status
Longtime Buck — and a probable future uniform retiree — Khris Middleton has been the focus of pundit talk on whether or not this may be his last full campaign at a high level.
This ongoing discussion comes after the 33-year-old had offseason “clean-up” surgeries to address issues in both of his ankles.
Doc hesitated to commit to his status for the preseason and start of the regular season, but seemed to indicate he may not be 100% to start the year.
Shortly after, Horst made a different claim to theoretically ease any speculation on Middleton’s status (though we’ll see what the injury report says later).
Khris, however, seemed more speculative.
Prince Kicks Off the Players
New Buck Taurean Prince led things off on the players’ side.
https://twitter.com/JustinGarciaNBA/status/1840762898294960285
https://twitter.com/JustinGarciaNBA/status/1840763310620189170
Prince’s final notable quote is music to Bucks fans’ ears, especially given how last season ended.
Brook to Revamp Defensive Anchor Status
Brook Lopez followed and discussed the Bucks’ defense, playoff aspirations, and the return of Darvin Ham.
https://twitter.com/JustinGarciaNBA/status/1840767314381164993
Now for Brook’s fun side.
https://twitter.com/JustinGarciaNBA/status/1840766905499492439
Giannis Being Giannis
It’s always a vibe when Giannis has a mic. He addressed the Olympics, the Bucks’ underrated depiction by the league, his and Thanasis’ health, and gave an all-too-familiar face when asked about the favorite part of his wedding night.
Despite this comment, Giannis was focused on smaller steps over the big picture.
https://twitter.com/JustinGarciaNBA/status/1840770263043985882
https://twitter.com/BucksLead/status/1840772604115763620
https://twitter.com/BucksLead/status/1840780821910704190
Khris Manifests Confidence
It was no secret that the Bucks played catch-up last year, even if there were moments of greatness here and there. Khris Middleton addressed that and the Christmas Day snub.
Gary Trent Jr. is a Buck
New Buck Gary Trent Jr. was the favorite and unquestioned highest-value get for the Deer this offseason. The Bucks remain a top free-agent destination, regardless of what pundits claim.
To some, the best part of GTJ with the Bucks might be his three-point shooting, but instead might be his reunion with Damian Lillard.
Dame Time
Dame Time is the best time.
The 34-year-old had by far the longest interview of the morning, providing insight into what last year was like and how this year will be much different.
https://twitter.com/JustinGarciaNBA/status/1840780754424373732
https://twitter.com/BucksLead/status/1840789803484275007
Wright is in the Right Place
The Bucks have needed a true defensive wing (sorry Pat Bev) for a while, and Delon Wright fits that bill.
The Bucks kick off preseason play in Detroit on Sunday.
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