NBA: Previewing the Central Division

Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving, forward LeBron James and guard J.R. Smith laugh during the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship celebration in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving, forward LeBron James and guard J.R. Smith laugh during the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship celebration in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Milwaukee Bucks

Apr 11, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) brings the ball down court during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) brings the ball down court during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

The Milwaukee Bucks perhaps has the most talented young roster this season. While they may have finished 33-59 last season, let’s not count out the Milwaukee Bucks just yet.

Led by Giannis Antetokuonmpo, the Bucks have a high ceiling. Aside from Antenekuonmpo, they still have Jabari Parker, who is improving, and Greg Monroe, who is a solid big man. With the addition of Thon Maker in the draft, the Bucks perhaps have the most athletic big men in the NBA.

With the additions of Matthew Dellevadova from Cleveland, Mirza Teletovic from the Phoenix Suns, and Xavier Henry, who just signed with the team recently, expect some scoring off the bench. Michael Carter Williams returning from injury also helps their cause. Before he got injured, MCW averaged 11.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 45.2 percent from the field. His return will help the Bucks because he does everything for them.

Perhaps the player that will get the most attention is Antetokuonmpo. After the All-Star break, he averaged 19/9/7. Those are really good numbers as it shows he can do a bit of everything on the floor. Antetokuonmpo was at his best at the point guard spot because he was able to attack more and played a role as a play maker. While his three point shot (25.7 percent) and jump shot (24.3 percent) isn’t quite there yet, coach Jason Kidd was able to utilize Antetokuonmpo’s length and athleticism to attack the basket and make plays. Expect him to take a great leap forward in year four.

This season for Milwaukee should be an improvement. With Parker still getting better, expect the Bucks to make some noise in the Eastern Conference.

Next: Detroit Pistons