Making the playoffs for a young team is always a pivotal step forward n the process of being a winner. And while I think overall the season was a success, they left quite a bit on the table to lead me to believe they could have had a better record and ultimately a better season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: A
Giannis has arrived as a star who is not yet complete. He's a transcendent player with one of a kind game. He's the next true superstar in the NBA, with only one thing left to refine- his jump shot. If he develops an array of jumpers- from mid-range to fadeaways to pull-up to 3 point range, he's truly unstoppable. But perhaps his best quality, which is saying a lot, is his leadership. He works harder than anyone, his teammates know it, and the standard his been raised on this team. Watch Maker's development and know he's looking up to Giannis. That value cannot be measured on the stat sheet.
Jabari Parker: B-
The injury happened at a time when Parker was really struggling. He has little defensive awareness (which most scouts saw a long time ago), and is prone to too many turnovers. It's no coincidence the Bucks improved demonstrably when he went down and Middleton returned. That said, his explosiveness was really missed in the playoffs, and there's still All Star ability in there. If he comes back from a second ACL (word is he looks good), even if a little less athletic, he fits with this team. Hopefully when he returns Middleton's presence will prevent a defensive drop off.
Khris Middleton: B
Middleton proved his value when he returned. The Bucks suddenly improved defensively and their offense had balance with his mid-range and 3 point shooting. He was spent in the playoffs, and that's just because of the injury. But an off-season getting back some of his strength (watching him on a breakaway was all you needed to see to know he lost something). If we get 100% Khris Middleton for 82 games he's a borderline all-star. He reminded us all of that when he came back.
Greg Monroe: B-
Moose really stepped forward in the second half of the season as his activity increased. He's still an athletic liability and he won't be with this team maybe as soon as the summer as the Bucks need room to get Maker minutes. But Greg is a solid teammate, has grown with this team, and deserves a shot to stay as a bench player. Whether he accepts that with the commensurate pay cut is doubtful.
Matthew Dellavadova: C+
Delly is a solid player and adds toughness to this team (which is needed). But he's not a starter, and his shooting is too erratic to think he'll ever develop further. But as a bench player, he's perfect. He gets eaten alive with quick Gs, but he's scrappy and I like that he adds that.
Tony Snell: C+
He came to MKE in the MCW trade, and he does two things well- and both are needed- shoots 3s, and he can defend 3 positions. It would be better if he came off the bench, so getting a 2G who can really shoot should be a priority for this team in the off-season. But the Bucks fleeced the Bulls on this deal.
Malcom Brogdon: B
Any time a second rounder has this kind of impact you really scored. Athletically he's above average, and he knows how to use his size when he has the advantage. He could develop into a near All-Star level player if he improves overall. Not a ton of room to improve, but he showed that's not a bad thing. He's a starting caliber player, and can improve enough to be the kind of PG that leads a deep playoff run.
John Henson: D
Henson lost his spot in the rotation and barely played in the playoffs. He's not assignment sure. And though his length does help at the rim, he gets bullied in the paint. The $$$ they gave him was a colossal mistake.
Mirza Teletovic: D
He was brought to Milwaukee to be a stretch 4, and he simply couldn't hit shots. He's not better than average at anything else, so if he's not making 3s he's a liability.
Jason Terry: B
He proved to be a true leader and a stabilizing force. He can still play, too. At his age to be a catalyst is a coup- and the Bucks should seriously consider bringing him back.
Thon Maker: C+
Maker played little for 3 months. As he cracked the lineup, you saw why people are so excited about him. For a "project" to play impactful basketball in a hotly contested playoff series is amazing. And the if his work ethic is what it seems to be, and Giannis continues to influence his development, the Bucks absolutely nailed this pick. It'll take a few years, but he could really be special.
Spencer Hawes: C
I have always liked Hawes' game. He's the stretch 4 they wanted in Teletovic. He was very solid and I hope he stays with the team. He has shooting and some grit to his game that is a good element to bring off the bench.
Rashad Vaughn: D+
Vaughn should be the 2G they need to stretch the floor, but his development has been painfully slow. Seems like he may be on his last leg, and if he doesn't get it soon he's gone.
Gary Payton, II: Incomplete
Seems like he has a shot. Left handed shooter, decent PG skills, good enough athlete to play. A summer in the program will determine if he can stick. Bucks like him, otherwise they wouldn't have given him a 3 year deal.
Jason Kidd: B
I just don't know what to make of him. He seems like he is lost- gets out maneuvered in the playoffs when Toronto goes with Powell in the starting lineup- makes no adjustments. But the development of these young players has value too. Getting the team to commit to defense is always an issue- but maybe Kidd knows this is a 5 year plan and as such isn't pushing hard yet. The time will come soon when he needs to prove it. A 50 win season needs to be the next goal.
John Hammond: B-
The Maker pick is gold, as is the Brogdon pick. But the signings of Plumlee and Henson were terrible. The trade for Snell good, and the trade for Hawes erases the Plumlee mistake. And the Teletovic signing backfired. Overall good with the young talent that is the foundation of this team, but some head scratching moves and signings wasting valuable cap space in a summer where they could have added a star.
