Milwaukee Bucks 2024 NBA offseason preview: It's all about improving around the margins

Lillard himself certainly raised some questions in regards to his long-term fit with the Bucks, as the soon-to-be 34-year-old didn’t sport the volume, nor shooting efficiency, of years' past. Whether Lillard’s subpar season was just a minor hiccup or a sign of issues to come remains to be seen. But it’s difficult to envision him reaching the same level he did during his last year in Portland, when he averaged 32.2 points per game.

Further mucking up Milwaukee’s future is the health of Khris Middleton. The team’s third star played just 55 games, managing 27 minutes per contest, which isn’t likely to get much better as he enters his age-33 season next year.

The collective regressive health of Milwaukee’s star trio, and the hiring of Rivers — who isn’t known for bringing players together — has suddenly morphed the Bucks, who won the title just three years ago, into a team of constant concern, which stands in stark contrast to how they were perceived going into this season.

Of course, a full season with a full bill of health for all three dramatically changes the outlook of this franchise. But that seems overly optimistic at this stage.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots over Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) during the second half in Game 6 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots over Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) during the second half of Game 6 on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Indianapolis. Indiana advanced to the second round. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)More

Biggest offseason need

The same as it’s been for the past two summers: youth. This Bucks team is old, and its three youngsters — MarJon Beauchamp, Andre Jackson Jr. and A.J. Green — are viewed more as complementary players than foundational pieces, complicating matters for a franchise that wishes to prolong its competitive window.

Organizational direction

The first impression of Antetokounmpo's pairing with Lillard was the wrong one. Turns out trading Jrue Holiday for Lillard was a steep defensive downgrade, and an ill fit on both ends of the court cost Griffin, a first-year coach, his job. The midseason hiring of Rivers did little to resolve chemistry concerns, and an ill-timed injury to Antetokounmpo made matters worse.

However much optimism you might have in Milwaukee's ability to retool around Antetokounmpo and Lillard, there are limits to what the Bucks can do. Brook Lopez, Lillard and Middleton will enter next season at 36, 34 and 33 years old, respectively. The Bucks have minimum contracts or middling trade chips to spend on defensive upgrades. Their top priority, though, is ensuring neither Antetokounmpo nor Lillard requests a trade before both stars get a chance to improve their two-man game over the summer. — Ben Rohrbach

Projected draft picks (pre-lottery)

Nos. 23, 33

Like the Suns, Milwaukee will have to make their first-round selection, given that they didn’t have one last year. They can trade the player after making the selection, but given their need of getting younger, this wouldn’t be advisable.

Draft focus

The Bucks have the luxury of simply adding pieces around Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Four-year college players who can be plugged in right away are Kansas' Kevin McCullar Jr. and Marquette's Tyler Kolek. Both players were the top scoring options for their respective teams and can contribute right away to an established team. Antetokounmpo and 7-4 Purdue star Zach Edey would also be a fun duo to watch in the paint