The OKC Thunder and Indiana Pacers didn't make it to the NBA Finals by accident; while both teams are led by stars, they also boast incredible depth. The depth helps them stay afloat at all times in games, leaving little to no weak points on the floor. The Milwaukee Bucks must take notes as they begin to retool their roster.
Reliable depth must be a priority for the Milwaukee Bucks
Unlike these two, the Milwaukee Bucks had a handful of weak points that were exposed last season, especially in the NBA Playoffs. Brook Lopez's lack of athletic ability and mobility got him benched. Kyle Kuzma's erratic play had him firmly next to Lopez. After starting at the two for most of the year, Andre Jackson Jr. couldn't see the floor in the postseason due to his lack of offense.
With so many weak points added to Damian Lillard's Achilles injury, the Milwaukee Bucks didn't last long in the postseason. If they want to stay afloat next season, especially with Lillard's return up in the air as he tackles rehab, they need to find depth. Not just depth that fills out the roster; they need to fill out their 18 roster spots with players that help them avoid being put in bad spots too often.
Look at OKC and Indiana. The Thunder have NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and another All-Star next to him in Jalen Williams, but they also have tremendous role players next to them in Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, and Lu Dort. The Pacers have Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, but players like Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell can all turn the tide at any moment.
The Milwaukee Bucks need that. They can start in free agency by retaining some of their own players, such as Gary Trent Jr. and Ryan Rollins, but they must do more. Like OKC and Indiana, the Bucks must scour the market for players who can defend in space, get out in transition, shoot from long range, and do all the little things that help teams win games consistently.
Having excellent lead tacticians in Mark Daigneault and Rick Carlisle also helps the cause.
Going after another star may feel like a flashy move, but if it costs major depth, it won't do Milwaukee too much good. In today's NBA, Big 3s are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Big 18s are the new wave. We'll see how all of the depth between the Thunder and Pacers plays out on the big stage. The Milwaukee Bucks should be taking notes.
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