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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) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 13: Brook Lopez #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 100-93. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 13: Brook Lopez #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 100-93. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2. Brook Lopez and Ersan Ilyasova will be effective

In the time before Jabari Parker eventually signed his two-year, $40 million dollar deal with the Chicago Bulls, the Bucks addressed the immediate future by signing veterans Brook Lopez and Ersan Ilyasova. The additions, while not the sexiest of signings, will allow the Bucks to get front-court value for about $10 million.

Lopez is the Bucks first legitimate center since the days of Larry Sanders (who is still on the Bucks salary cap). Lopez might be a bit past his prime, but at the Bi-Annual exception there is no question that he can be a factor for the Bucks. Lopez fits a similar role that Al Horford played with in Budenholzer’s system with the Hawks. Now they won’t blow you away with athleticism, but both are intelligent and can stretch the floor. Lopez stats last year weren’t great as the Lakers opted to play younger guys on their roster, but per 36 minutes he averaged 19.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Lopez can slide right into a starting role with the Bucks and will subsequently take some load off of Thon Maker and John Henson.

Ilyasova on the other hand was a valuable piece for a playoff team last season with the 76ers. He brings so many little things that are important to a team such as taking charges, hitting threes, and being a multi-positional player. Another plus to bringing him along is his relationship with Mike Budenholzer. Ilyasova had played 72 games across two seasons in Atlanta with Budenholzer averaging 10.7 points and 5.6 rebounds. Ilyasova is the perfect role player because he is always ready to play and will benefit your team even if he doesn’t score a single point. His versatility will be great in the playoffs as he can matchup against players like Marcus Morris and Serge Ibaka. This will allow players like Giannis and Middleton to focus their energy on the offensive side of the ball.

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