3 reasons why it’s wrong to count the Milwaukee Bucks out as repeat champions
Experts and oddsmakers are counting out the Milwaukee Bucks as favorites to repeat this season. The disrespect that the Bucks are receiving is at an all-time high. Here's why they shouldn't take Milwaukee for granted.
Eastern conference powerhouse teams are in chaos
The Milwaukee Bucks are written off as the favorite to win the championship for the 2021-2022 season. Things are chaotic right now in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, their main competitors. The Bucks will be the ones that benefit the most among Eastern contenders.
The Miami Heat will still have to undergo a learning curve with new additions to the team, such as PJ Tucker and Kyle Lowry. How much can the Boston Celtics rely on Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum to tow them to the Finals? Suppose Kyrie Irving will not suit up for the Nets and the Ben Simmons dilemma in Philadelphia isn't solved soon, barring any health concerns, there is no stopping the Milwaukee Bucks from being crown Eastern Conference champs once again.
Giannis Antetokoumpo has been unleashed
Great players, after tasting success, get hungry for more. Such is the case of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has already accomplished so much at his age despite not reaching his peak yet. The Greek Freak is not interested in cars, jewelry, or fame: he wants to win. The scary news for other teams in the league? He is still improving and has not yet reached his ceiling.
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Giannis averaged 28 points last season, shooting 68 percent from the charity stripe and 30 percent from behind the arc. If he improves to a 75 percent free-throw shooter and around 35 percent from the 3-point area, Antetokounmpo can easily average at least 35 points per game. Having tasted what it's like to win the highest honor individually and as a group in the NBA, Giannis will be a different beast this year.
"Can we stop disrespecting the champs. Nobody's talking about Milwaukee. Champions walk different, they carry themselves different, they feel different. Giannis is unleashed."
Doris Burke
The annual General Managers' survey revealed that the Bucks are only the third favorite to win the title, as reported by Basketball News. Giannis does not need any disrespect to add to his motivation. He is chasing something bigger and greater and could care less what other people think.
The Bucks can match up well with the best of the West
Milwaukee has the tools to match up well with whoever comes out on top of the stacked Western Conference. The Lakers are up there, but if Anthony Davis can't stay healthy, there's no one that can match up with Giannis. The Denver Nuggets will miss Jamal Murray, and the L.A. Clippers will rely on Paul George as they wait for Kawhi Leonard. It remains to be seen how Klay Thompson would fare in his return and, the Bucks have already proven they can beat the Phoenix Suns.
Milwaukee deserves everyone's respect, not because they need it, but because they earned it.
