The Athletic NBA Daily Are the Bucks underrated?
Sep 29, 2025
Eric Nehm, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, dives into the Milwaukee Bucks' upcoming season. He discusses the impact of Myles Turner joining the team and assesses whether the roster can compete effectively. The conversation touches on which role players, like Kevin Porter Jr. and A.J. Green, can step up in the absence of Damian Lillard. Nehm also shares insights on Giannis's focus, the team's youth-oriented direction, and predicts a playoff outcome as the Bucks aim for a lower seed while Giannis chases MVP honors.
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Damian Lillard Domino Effect
- Damian Lillard's injury and subsequent buyout reshaped Milwaukee's offseason and roster construction.
- Waiving Lillard created cap space to sign Myles Turner and pivot the team's identity around Giannis and new role players.
Who Fills Lillard's Scoring Void
- Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., and A.J. Green are the primary candidates to absorb Lillard's offensive role.
- Their shooting and interactions with Giannis will determine whether the Bucks remain a two-way threat or become 'Giannis and the gang.'
Bobby Portis' Steady Role
- Bobby Portis provides reliable, versatile frontcourt minutes and bench scoring around Giannis.
- He stabilizes Milwaukee with consistent production rather than explosive single-season surges.