Expert’s Analysis: What’s Going Wrong for the Milwaukee Bucks Right Now?

Coming into the 2024-25 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks were expected to be a significant force in the Eastern Conference. With stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Brook Lopez, the Bucks were a popular pick for a deep playoff run. Yet, just seven games in, Milwaukee finds itself at the bottom of the standings with a disappointing 1-6 record. Despite a relatively healthy lineup, they’ve struggled to find cohesion and effectiveness. Several factors are holding the team back from a thin bench, including defensive woes and questionable roster management. Let’s dive into the main issues impacting the Bucks’ rocky start and explore what they must address to turn things around.

Lack of Bench Depth

For a championship-caliber team, depth is crucial, and Milwaukee’s bench has been a glaring weak spot. While the Bucks’ core lineup boasts talent with Antetokounmpo, Lillard, Lopez, and Khris Middleton, the team falls flat once the starters rest. Milwaukee ranks 25th in bench scoring and 21st in bench net rating, highlighting how much they struggle without their stars on the court. The Bucks’ limited depth can be traced back to their focus on star talent, which left little room for supporting players who could contribute consistently.

Head coach, Doc Rivers’ reliance on veterans like Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, and Delon Wright over younger players with untapped potential, has also hindered bench productivity. Each player has notable limitations—Portis and Connaughton are offense-first, while Wright is primarily a defensive specialist. Experimenting with younger talent, such as A.J. Green and Andre Jackson Jr., showed promise in their recent game against Cleveland, where Green and Jackson both had positive impacts on the floor. This game hinted at a potential shift in Milwaukee’s rotation, which could finally offer the team some much-needed depth.

Defensive Struggles

Historically, Milwaukee has been known for its elite defense, anchored by the rim protection of Antetokounmpo and Lopez. However, this season has been a different story. The Bucks rank 26th in defensive rating, a significant drop-off from their previous years as a defensive powerhouse. Point-of-attack defense has been a considerable vulnerability, exacerbated by the loss of Jrue Holiday, a defensive anchor for the team. Without Holiday’s perimeter defense, Milwaukee’s older, slower roster has struggled to keep up with quicker, athletic opponents.

Players like Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince, who are expected to step up on the perimeter, have struggled with screens and often fall behind, leaving gaps for opposing offenses to exploit. Meanwhile, Lillard’s arrival has introduced a new defensive liability, as opposing teams frequently target him. While younger players like Green and Jackson have shown potential as solid defenders, they’ve yet to be fully integrated into the rotation. The Bucks also lack the communication and cohesion needed to cover for individual defensive lapses, further amplifying their struggles on the perimeter. To regain its defensive edge, Milwaukee must rethink its approach and lean more on emerging talent.

Questionable Roster Decisions

One of the biggest criticisms of the Bucks this season is their roster construction, particularly their heavy dependence on top stars with limited role players to back them up. Only seven Bucks players are averaging more than 15 minutes per game, which isone of the tightest rotations in the league. At the same time, teams like the Rockets and Knicks can afford to use short rotations—Milwaukee’s ambitions as a contender demand a more reliable supporting cast. The Bucks have repeatedly missed out on affordable free agents and failed to capitalize on draft picks that could have bolstered their depth.

In addition, players like Lopez, Trent, Portis, and Connaughton have struggled with efficiency, which only adds to Milwaukee’s issues. Middleton’s ongoing recovery from injury has also hurt the Bucks, but the team’s limited roster options leave them with few alternatives. Rivers’ reluctance to develop young talent, such as AJ Johnson, their 2024 first-round pick, has compounded these issues, leading to a rotation that’s overly dependent on a few injury-prone stars. If the Bucks want to improve, they must adjust their roster strategy and prioritize a more balanced mix of veterans and younger players.

What’s Next for the Bucks?

The Bucks’ slow start is a wake-up call. Despite their top-tier talent, the team’s lack of depth, defensive woes, and poor roster construction prevent them from performing as expected. There are signs of hope—young players like Green and Jackson show potential, and a shift in rotation could bring some improvement. However, Milwaukee’s issues are deeply rooted, and a quick fix may not be enough. For the Bucks to climb back into the ranks of contenders, they’ll need a strategic overhaul, both on and off the court. Until then, their struggles may continue as they search for answers in a highly competitive Eastern Conference.