The 2019-20 season ultimately ended in disappointment for the Milwaukee Bucks, but they have wasted little time in addressing the areas that they feel they need to improve the team heading into the next season. The Bucks were once of the standout NBA expert picks for championship glory last season after they impressed throughout the regular season to finish the season at the top of the Eastern Conference.
However, it was to be more disappointment for the Bucks in the post-season as they were knocked out of the playoffs in the opening round by the Miami Heat. This season is massive for the Bucks, as it could be the final season that they will be able to call on Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Jrue Holiday Traded
Management at the Bucks will be aware that they need to show Giannis that they are targeting the championship this season, and they have done that by making their move for New Orleans Pelicans star Jrue Holiday. Holiday is a two-time NBA All-Defensive Team member, and a one-time NBA All-Star.
His game has improved immeasurably with the Pelicans, as his averages would testify. His best scoring season came in the 2018-19 season, as he averaged 21.2 points per game, but his record last season of 19.1 points per game would still highlight that Bucks are getting a player that will be able to record high points totals throughout the season.
Finding the right balance in the team to get the best out of Giannis has been the Bucks biggest issue for a number of seasons, but there is a sense that Holiday could be the player that Milwaukee have been looking for. His playoff experience is also essential for the Bucks, with Holiday averaging 23.7 points per game in his last playoff series in 2018.
Bogdan Bogdanovic Traded
Holiday won’t be the only player being brought in by the Bucks, as Bodgan Bogdanovic will also be joining the Bucks. The deals are likely part of a plan by the Bucks management to show Giannis that they are dedicated to ensuring that the team will remain competitive, as they have been trying to tie down the MVP to a new long-term deal for much of this year.
Bogdanovic will add something to the Bucks in terms of an out-ball, as he is a specialist from beyond the arc. Finding the balance between Khris Middleton and Bogdanovic could be the problem facing the coaches, but having two players that excel from that distance will be something that will add a new dimension to the Bucks offence
Last season was only the third in the NBA of Bogdanovic’s career, and his stats throughout the regular season were excellent. He averaged 15.1 points per game, which was the highest that he had averaged throughout his NBA career. Meanwhile, he had a .372 success race from beyond the arc. Both the additions could make the Bucks a force next season, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to convince Giannis to sign a new long-term deal.
