The Milwaukee Bucks are about to begin a season of great expectations. After their first trip to the NBA playoffs in 2015, opposite a season where they ranked dead last in the league, the team set their sights on a free agent that nobody thought they would acquire. That would be Greg Monroe, of the Detroit Pistons. This is a different Bucks team, on many levels. The billionaire owners made a play for what was certainly to be a “West Coast” free agent, and won him over. With the intentionally slow return of Jabari Parker this preseason, it’s only going to get better for the Bucks, as Jason Kidd has the full support of the city, and a new Bucks arena is going to be a reality.
Khris Middleton was locked in with a five year, $70 million dollar contract. He’s gone from a back up to starter in just one season. Still, watch for Giannis Antetokounmpo to have a better season, as he’s just getting used to the NBA. Giannis averaged fourteen minutes per game last season, and this 20 year old small forward is going to get better with each passing game. Who’s looking to lose minutes this season. It just might be O.J. Mayo. As Milwaukee picked up Greivis Vasquez, along with Rashad Vaughn in the off season, Mayo might be looking at a lot of time on the bench in 2015. Greivis Vasquez averaged 24 minutes per game last season, playing in all 82 games. He’s got five seasons under his belt, and will certainly be an impact player this year.
The Bucks will open their regular season schedule at home against the New York Knicks. They stay in town for a game against Washington, then hit the road for two games. For Bucks tickets to all home and away games, check out our website. See you at the BMO Harris Bradley Center!