The NBA market is spicing up with teams trying to either contend for the title or build for the future. The Milwaukee Bucks fall in the first category. They are trying to capitalize on the once-in-a-generation talents of Giannis Antetokounmpo by giving him the best possible support cast. So trading for guards Bogdan Bogdanovic and Jrue Holiday made perfect sense for them, even if it meant leveraging their future by trading away young talent and first-round draft picks.
“Milwaukee Bucks have the best starting 5”
Former NBA center Kendrick Perkins has labeled the Bucks as the favorites to lift the 2020-21 Larry O’Brien trophy. Analyzing their team on First Take, he declared,
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“Right now, the Bucks are winning. To get Jrue Holiday was a huge win for them. You talk about a guy that’s a 2-way player; one of the best in the game today. He could get you 20-25 points on one end and lock you up on the other end. Bogdanovic is a walking bucket who can score anywhere in the country.”
“I am looking at this starting 5, where Khris Middleton is the third option. Jrue Holiday is the second option who can close out games for you with Giannis being the focal point. And you have Brook Lopez anchoring this defense. If the season started today, this is the best starting 5 in the NBA and there’s no debate.”
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Even though Perk’s analysis seems genuine, one can feel that he was calling out the Lakers’ front office. After all, we know him to be partial towards LeBron James. Time and time again, he has anointed King James the much-debated ‘GOAT’ status. The Lakers are fresh-off their championship-winning season.
Although they have improved their team by adding Dennis Schroder to their roster, it is a clear cry to add more pieces. The Bucks’ starting 5 looks more well-rounded and competitive than the Lakers or any other team, as a matter of fact.
Will Giannis sign his Supermax now?
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The ‘small market’ team from Milwaukee has gone all-in to appease their superstar. However, the ‘Greek Freak’ only has 1 year remaining on his contract. If the Bucks were not to win the title this season, they might be staring at the possibility of losing their star player on a free. They need to get his signature on that contract right now or these trades won’t be ‘Bang for their Buck’.