Brooklyn Nets: Way-too-early Eastern Conference standings predictions
By Nolan Jensen
#1) Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks won 60 games last year, they were really one overtime period away from making the NBA Finals, and they kept their core intact for the most part.
They have one major advantage in doing that, continuity. They’re already acclimated with each other, a system is already in place that isn’t without its faults but has given this organization the most success its had since 2001.
Khris Middleton is in the prime of his career, Giannis could still get better (which is a terrifying thought) at the age of 24, Brook Lopez re-signed after a sensational season last year and the team brought in his twin, Robin Lopez, to be their backup center—something they desperately needed.
Malcolm Brogdon and Nikola Mirotic are significant losses, but the Bucks should be favorites to take the top seed in the Eastern Conference. George Hill had moments of greatness in this year’s playoff run, if he can provide the team stability in the minutes he sees, they’ll be fine.
The addition of Wesley Matthews provides the team not only spacing on the second unit, but a veteran presence in the locker room. A major question entering this season for Milwaukee is if Eric Bledsoe can rid himself of the demons haunting him from the Bucks’ playoff run and revert back to form.
Under the guidance of Mike Budenholzer, who’s fresh off a Coach of the Year award, and with the talent readily available at his disposal, a repeat 60 win season isn’t exactly unreasonable.
Next. What should the starting five look like?. dark
It was their first season with legitimate title aspirations, let’s see if they learn from their failures and build off their best season this millennium.