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Milwaukee Bucks: Why they will make the second round in 2018

By Gage Bridgford

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the first quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 22, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the first quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 22, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /

3. A New Head Coach

Jason Kidd never became the coach the team had hoped for, as they only had one season where they ranked above average, which was only a 42-40 season. While he unlocked new levels by letting Giannis run the offense as the point guard, he failed to innovate more. Budenholzer is the opposite of that. His innovation helped make the Hawks into a two-way force. However, Antetokounmpo is better than any player he ever had with the Hawks and gives more possibilities.

The presence of Budenholzer is an instant upgrade over Kidd, particularly on the defensive end. Except for last season, the Hawks ranked high consistently in defensive rating. In Kidd’s first season, the Bucks ranked second in defensive rating, then never topped 17th. The Bucks have length at all positions, which will enable them to have greater lineup flexibility and a more switch friendly defense.

The offense will see a major overhaul. While Antetokounmpo will likely still be running the show, the offense around him will be vastly different. three-point shooting will be more highly valued, which could lead to more playing time for different players. DJ Wilson was one of the team’s top distance shooters, but he never got much run last season. New center Brook Lopez will give the team an additional wrinkle to their offense. Shooters will spread the floor and Antetokounmpo will feast on space.

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