THREE REASONS TO WORRY
1. Missing Middleton
Losing Khris Middleton to a torn left hamstring created a huge hole in the Bucks lineup. Instead of having their scoring leader and a versatile shooting guard, the Bucks were scrambling to fill the position in the preseason. They finally made a trade with the Chicago Bulls for Tony Snell, but he's no Middleton. Bucks coach Jason Kidd said the position will be done by committee, although he's giving Snell the first shot as a starter when he recovers from a sprained left ankle.
2. Can they shoot straight?
The Bucks finished last in the league in three-point attempts and makes last season. That won't cut it in the three-happy NBA. Milwaukee tried to address the problem by signing free agents Mirza Teletovic and Matthew Dellavedova, and they should help. But it might not be enough.
3. Defensive dilemma
The Bucks brought in Dellavedova, who will harass opposing point guards and should improve the defense. But the interior defense remained a problem in the preseason. Kidd said the Bucks defense was so good two years ago because of the basketball IQ of Zaza Pachulia and Jared Dudley, who knew where to be and were vocal leaders. The Bucks have not replaced that yet.
THREE REASONS FOR HOPE
1. Young Bucks on the rise
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker are just 21, but they are growing wiser in the ways of the NBA. They also have worked diligently all summer and should be ready to take the next step in their development. Their length and athleticism are scary to opponents, and highlight-reel plays will come often. If their outside shooting improves, watch out.
2. Delly factor
The Bucks aggressively pursued Dellavedova in the off-season and signed him to a four-year, $38 million deal. He can handle the ball and play off the ball with Antetokounmpo. Plus, he can defend. The former Cleveland Cavaliers player will assume a bigger role as a starter, and he looks ready for it.
3. Kidd brings faith
Since the arrival of Kidd as the Bucks coach in 2014, he has brought an aura the franchise needed. The players look up to him, a nod to his great career as an NBA point guard and a future Hall of Famer. And they see him growing as a coach and making the right moves, whether it be lineup adjustments or in-game decisions. Moving Antetokounmpo to a ball-handling role in February was a bold move and one that benefited the team.
