Milwaukee Bucks top five goals for the 2018 season

Milwaukee Bucks top five goals for 2018

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 22: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks turns up the court against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Bradley Center on April 22, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bucks defeated the Celtics 104-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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4. Become a Top-10 Defense

The Bucks ranked 17th this season in defensive rating, but, with their combination of length and athleticism, there is no reason that they can’t rank at least 10th in the league. Giannis, Khris Middleton and the aforementioned Maker are a trio with size and switchability that make for a great defensive core. However, Middleton has never been strong on the defensive end, but Budenholzer’s system could change that.

Under Budenholzer, the Atlanta Hawks ranked seventh, second and fourth in defense between 2014 through 2016 seasons. Budenholzer comes from the Greg Popovich coaching tree where defense is a priority over the offense. The San Antonio Spurs last ranked outside the top five in 2011.

Under Budenholzer, it may take a season or so for the team to completely gel in his complex defensive system, but it would lead to immediate improvements. Giannis will be tasked with guarding the team’s best wing player, with Maker tasked with protecting the rim and Eric Bledsoe checking the opposing team’s ball-handler. Those three makeup three of the top five on the team in DBPM per Basketball-Reference and would lead the charge up the rankings.

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