The Milwaukee Bucks made moves on the trade deadline but the full strength of the new squad cannot be fully realized as key rotation guys remain out. With 15 games remaining the regular season, Doc Rivers is forced to be reactive when it comes to their game plans.
Jericho Sims, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Feb 23, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Jericho Sims (00) grabs a rebound during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The latest to go down is Jericho Sims who had a thumb surgery and will be out for one month. He joins fellow big man Bobby Portis on the list of players who won’t be able to help the Bucks who are generally still establishing their identity.
Rivers said he is worried about Brook Lopez’s minutes, something he was already bothered even before the injury to Sims and the 25-game suspension of Portis.
“I didn’t like the Brook minutes, I just thought it was too many minutes and we’re going to try to avoid that,” he said as quoted by Eric Nehm.
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Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) passes the ball away from Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and center Brook Lopez (11) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Previously, Rivers said he is worried about the Splash Mountain because of his age and usage.
“I’m sure there will be a game or two where he’s high, but it does us not good in the long run for Brook to play 39 minutes a night. It’s just not good for our team health.”
Doc Rivers forced to play Giannis Antetokounmpo at center
The big man problem is not enclosed in the center position alone. It spreads throughout the whole squad.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the only remaining legit big man in the squad. They got Pete Nance and Tyler Smith but both guys are yet to see legit NBA minutes.
Rivers said they will be forced to play the Greek Freak at five for a long period.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) walks past head coach Doc Rivers in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
“We don’t have a balance right now. Bottom line, if Brook’s off the floor, we don’t have another five on our team. Bobby was the five, Jericho was the five and now we have zero fives (outside of Brook). So, it just really makes us a thin bench, a thin basketball team and so Giannis will have to play five and we’re not opposed to putting Kuz at the five, which is crazy, but it is what it is.”
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