It’s no secret the Milwaukee Bucks greatly disappointed last season after being eliminated early in the first round by the Indiana Pacers. Next season, though, is a different story if the front office can address the team’s biggest need as soon as possible.

Jan 11, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against

The 2023-24 season was a tumultuous one for Milwaukee, marked by coaching changes and personnel moves. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit the previous year, the Bucks parted ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer and hired Adrian Griffin as his replacement.

Nov 30, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) goes to the basket against Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
However, Griffin’s tenure was short-lived, as he was dismissed midway through the season despite the team’s success. The Bucks then brought in veteran coach Doc Rivers to steady the ship.

One of the Bucks’ major moves was the acquisition of seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard in a three-team trade. Pairing the point guard with superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo gave Milwaukee an impressive one-two punch.

Despite clinching their eighth straight playoff berth, the Bucks faced more adversity when Antetokounmpo and Lillard both missed time due to injuries. This proved too much to overcome, as the short-handed Bucks were upset in the first round by the Indiana Pacers, marking the second straight year they suffered an early postseason exit.

Overall, the 2023-24 season was a rollercoaster campaign for the Bucks, featuring significant changes but ultimately ending in disappointment as they failed to make a deep playoff run.

Milwaukee Bucks Biggest Need For NBA 2024-25 Season Revealed

Feb 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Milwaukee Bucks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
At this point, the Bucks’ front office need to act fast in identifying the team’s biggest needs and solve them during the offseason. In an article published on Forbes, Brian Sampson detailed the most important requirement for the upcoming season.

“If it wasn’t clear before the playoffs, it was neon-sign-in-Vegas clear after them: the Bucks simply don’t have the athleticism to keep up with the NBA’s best. The Indiana Pacers made this painfully obvious, running circles around Milwaukee in both the regular season and postseason.

Outside of the Greek God Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are in dire need of some serious athletic infusion at almost every position. They could work wonders by drafting a high-flying big like DaRon Holmes II or Kel’el Ware, or snagging a wing with jet engines for legs like Terrance Shannon Jr.

Whichever direction they decide to take, the Bucks should aim to add a player who can get up and down the court with ease and play above the rim. It’s time for Milwaukee to inject some much-needed speed and explosiveness into their lineup,” Sampson wrote.

Last season, Milwaukee finished with a record of 49 wins and 33 losses, which placed them third in the Eastern Conference. They also fielded a sixth-place offense and a defense that’s ranked 19 out of 30 teams.
Apr 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks the basketball in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
If Milwaukee succeeds in adding more athleticism to the roster, expect the team to become more unpredictable on court than just having to rely on Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Otherwise, the Bucks will just end up with a similar fate as they suffered during the previous season.
Jan 20, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

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