Can the Bucks Build an Unlikely Dynasty?

By: Will Wood

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NBA Spalding ball

Giannis Antetokounmpo inspired the Milwaukee Bucks to a historic triumph in the NBA Finals to secure the title for the first time since 1971. Giannis remained loyal the franchise that believed in his ability in the 2014 NBA Draft. He has become arguably the most dominant player in the league, and is the heir apparent to LeBron James as the face of the NBA brand. At the age of 26, Giannis is operating at the peak of his powers and he could launch a dynasty in Milwaukee in the same vein as Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors and Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.

Despite their achievement, the Bucks are not favorites for the championships, being backed at +850 behind the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA betting odds. The super team factor is alluring given the trifecta of talent the Nets have at their disposal with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden. LeBron is always going to command respect in the NBA betting tips given his record at reaching Finals. However, it appears that the Bucks are being overlooked slightly even though Giannis and his team-mates found the perfect blend on the court last term.

The so-called super teams have enjoyed success in the past, notably the Warriors with Curry, Durant and Klay Thompson. Before that LeBron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were outstanding with the Miami Heat. Last season was different as the Bucks used a team philosophy around Giannis to secure the title, while the side they defeated in the NBA Finals were also constructed in the same manner as Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton were the standouts alongside the veteran presence of Chris Paul. The Bucks and the Suns used their team spirit to great effect to conquer their more esteemed rivals under the spotlight before Giannis took command of the Finals.

The NBA will now see whether the team-first mantra is sustainable. The Bucks will keep an intact roster from their championship win bar the departures of P.J Tucker and Bryn Forbes, who were useful veterans, although not essential cogs. George Hill, Semi Ojeleye and Rodney Hood are solid additions alongside a trade for prospect Grayson Allen to further develop on his breakout season with the Memphis Grizzlies. Other than that, Mike Budenholzer will keep the same line-up on the court led by Giannis, but the confidence gained by the rest of the side during their surge for success should embolden them further.

Khris Middleton has been unheralded for large portions of his career, but now has the attention as the number two option behind Giannis. He cannot afford to let his standards slip. Jrue Holiday was an equally important member of the side after his move to the Bucks from the New Orleans Pelicans. He slipped seamlessly into the side and was a driving force when his team needed him the most. Considering there are no new additions, it will fall on this trifecta to inspire another charge for the NBA title.

On paper, they’re not the most dominant team in the Eastern Conference, never mind the entire league. However, they showed on the court that their cohesive play and performances under pressure were good enough to topple the other 30 sides. It would be a huge achievement for the Bucks to repeat and prove that super teams are not necessary for dynasties.