Dairyland Express
Fansided

Milwaukee Bucks: 5 reasons they will win the Eastern Conference

By Dylan Piccolo

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 6: Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates with Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and John Henson #31 after hitting a three pointer against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena on January 6, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 6: Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates with Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and John Henson #31 after hitting a three pointer against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena on January 6, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 29: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks to pass against Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on October 29, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 29: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks to pass against Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on October 29, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

3. Khris Middleton will be an All-Star

Khris Middleton is coming off of a career season with the Bucks. Although he was snubbed from the All-Star roster, he made a strong case with his 20.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. Middleton thrived last season as the Bucks only consistent outside threat shooting 41.4 percent from 15 feet and beyond. It was impressive to see that consistency from him for a full 82-game season. Perhaps even more impressive is that he played that well in the limited offense that Jason Kidd brought to the team.

Assuming Middleton declines the $13 million dollar player option after this season, it will be important for him to back-up his 2017-18 performance in 2018-19. One of the remarkable things that played into Middleton’s success was his ability to score in isolation scenarios. 

If you look at Atlanta’s offense under Budenholzer one of the main facets is ball-movement to create a good shots. In Atlanta’s 60 win season in 2014-15 they finished second in assists. One difference between the team Budenholzer will inherit and that Hawks team is Giannis. Because Giannis attracts so much of the defense’s attention there will be much easier shots for Middleton to knock down.

Home/Milwaukee Bucks