Well, what to do? What to do with all those expectations? Q&A style.
Q: Is Jason Kidd a good enough coach to make this team a contender?
A: Who knows? Probably not. I mean by Thanksgiving the book was out- the Bucks can't shoot, and they can't defend the perimeter. Game after game... and what did Kidd do about it? Well, nothing really. But maybe it was the roster. With as much has changed, we'all soon find out.
Q: Will the new roster solve the defense, 3 point shooting, and rebounding?
A: If the preseason is any indication, yeah, it might be. Teletovic is deadly. Dellavadova is an enormous upgrade from Bayless/Mayo, and Brogdon isn't going to take long to find his niche. Beasley is going to be a very effective scorer. Trading for Snell keeps them long in the backcourt (and at least replaces some of Middleton's shooting). Terry is experienced, and so is Novak, and you have to have that on such a young roster. The only Gs from last year's roster is Middleton (and he's probably not going to play this year) and Vaughn, who is still struggling at both ends and especially shooting. But with the additions they should shoot better, defend better, rebound better... but how much? That answer will probably tell the tale of the season.
Q: Will their young stars Parker and Antetokoumpo be All-Stars?
A: One or both should- and the season depends on it. The great thing is the roster compliments them really well, and with Middleton down Parker will get his shot to be the closer. You can see the game slowing down for him now- and that's scary. And Giannis is a year more confident, a year more developed, a year closer to being one of the game's most dynamic all-around players. Watch the turnovers, but he's the proverbial matchup nightmare, and that's the first ingredient to winning in the NBA.
Q: Will Greg Monroe have a place on the roster?
A: For now, yes. But to me, the 4 year deal for Plumlee spoke volumes about what they want at the C position. As has been said, now that we have seen his game, he doesn't fit. But he's productive, and that should help the Bucks find him a home at the deadline. Unless the Bucks get banged up, I don't think he'll be on the Bucks after the deadline.
Q: Will the Bucks be a playoff team?
A: Yes! And depending on the matchup, they might get past the first round. This team will now feature two talented young stars who are unequivocally the focal point of the team's attack. This helps them, because I think the complementary players are better. They should be able to run the break, they should be able to rebound, and they should be able to attack in the half court and get good shooters good looks. It starts at the defensive end, and the G position should be significantly more defensive minded than we've seen in years past.
Record: 48-34
