Some people expected the Milwaukee Bucks to return to being a strong team after a disappointing finish last season in their first go-around with future Hall of Fame guard Damian Lillard.
Instead, they had a 2-8 record, which is the second-worst mark in the Eastern Conference, coming into Tuesday.
Granted, forward Khris Middleton, a three-time All-Star, has yet to play this season due to an ankle injury, but there just doesn’t seem to be any excuse for their poor play.
Some have wondered if head coach Doc Rivers’ job could be in jeopardy, but Sam Amick says Rivers isn’t on the hot seat, per NBACentral.
Doc Rivers is not on the hot seat in Milwaukee, per @sam_amick
“I could certainly see the Bucks doing some kind of deal, if not more than one, before the Feb. 6 deadline. But in terms of the big stuff that comes with their team’s calculus — Giannis, Dame, Doc and Khris — I don’t… pic.twitter.com/VH2Yi4fFcO
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 12, 2024
Rivers was hired to be the Bucks’ bench leader midway through last season after Adrian Griffin, a first-time head coach, was fired even though they had started a solid 30-13.
Rivers had coached several teams in the past dating back to the 1999-2000 season, and he guided the Boston Celtics to the NBA championship in 2008 after they traded for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen the previous summer.
On paper, the Bucks have a very solid team with Lillard and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it is becoming apparent that they need more supporting players, as well as more team speed and athleticism.
Defense was their big weakness a year ago, and that problem has continued in the early going of this season.
One could expect Milwaukee to look to make some sort of midseason trade, but they don’t have a lot of attractive trade assets, and there are now whispers that Antetokounmpo is starting to plot his exit.
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