Tim Legler on post trade fits, All-Star picks, and what Doc Rivers brings to the Bucks
Jan 26, 2024
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Tim Legler, ESPN analyst and former NBA player, joins Zach Lowe to discuss the fit of Doc Rivers in Milwaukee, teams after big trades like the Pacers with Pascal Siakam and the struggling Heat with Terry Rozier. They also talk about the full All-Star roster picks and the state of the Sixers. Eric Nehm of The Athletic joins to discuss the Bucks coaching change and what it means for the team going forward.
The podcast discusses the recent coaching change in the Milwaukee Bucks and the challenges faced by the team in terms of defense and transition game.
The coaching change was made to address the team's defensive struggles, including poor transition defense and lack of cohesion.
The focus now shifts to new head coach Doc Rivers and his potential impact on improving the team's defense and maximizing the talents of star players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Deep dives
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Coaching Change in the Milwaukee Bucks
The podcast episode discusses the recent coaching change in the Milwaukee Bucks. The decision to fire head coach Adrian Griffin came after a series of issues and struggles with team performance, specifically in terms of defense and transition game. The team had been facing challenges with defensive disorganization, lack of cohesion, and poor transition defense. Despite having a talented roster, the Bucks were underperforming, and the frustration was evident, with star player Giannis Antetokounmpo publicly expressing his concerns about the team's defensive efforts. The decision to replace Griffin was made in an effort to address these issues and bring in a new voice to lead the team.
Analyzing the Defensive Concerns
The defensive struggles of the Milwaukee Bucks were a significant factor in the coaching change. The team's transition defense was particularly poor, with players often failing to get back on defense and missing assignments. The Bucks also faced challenges in defensive rebounding and finding a cohesive defensive identity. These issues were evident throughout the season, leading to a decline in defensive rating and a lack of improvement in key areas. The coaching change aims to address these concerns and improve the team's defensive performance moving forward.
Expectations for Doc Rivers
The focus now shifts to new head coach Doc Rivers and the impact he will have on the team. While some critics have questioned Rivers' coaching abilities, he brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Bucks. One area to watch is the team's transition defense, which has been a major weakness. Additionally, Rivers will likely need to address the chemistry and dynamic between star players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, ensuring that their talents are maximized on the court. Overall, the expectation is that Doc Rivers will bring a new perspective and strategic approach to help improve the team's performance, particularly on the defensive end.
The Bucks' Championship Potential
Despite the coaching change and ongoing challenges, the Milwaukee Bucks still have the potential to compete for a championship. The team boasts a talented roster led by superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. While there are areas that need improvement, such as defensive consistency and offensive execution, the Bucks have shown flashes of greatness. With the right strategies, adjustments, and player development, they have the ability to make a deep playoff run. The coaching change is an important step in addressing the team's shortcomings and unlocking their full potential.
Zach and ESPN's Tim Legler discuss the Doc Rivers fit in Milwaukee and how teams are looking after big trades: OG Anunoby in New York, the struggling Heat and Terry Rozier, the Pacers with Pascal Siakam, and more. Plus full All-Star roster picks, whether the Sixers have enough to win it all as is, and more. Then Eric Nehm of The Athletic digs deeper into the Bucks hiring and firing Adrian Griffin, and what comes next for Milwaukee.
