NBA Insider Howard Beck Doubts Bucks’ Championship Outlook Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo
howard-beck-says-bucks-not-title-contenders
The Milwaukee Bucks overhauled their roster by landing center Myles Turner in free agency, acquiring forward Kyle Kuzma at the trade deadline and installing Kevin Porter Jr. as the projected starting point guard. Even with those moves, veteran NBA reporter Howard Beck believes Milwaukee still falls short of true title contention.
During a recent appearance on The Ringer NBA Podcast, Beck said the revamped lineup remains a tier below championship level.
“I don’t think the Bucks are that good,” Beck stated, as relayed by HoopsHype. “They’re good enough, they’re a playoff team, but they’re not a contender. And Giannis keeps just saying, ‘I want to win championships and I want to be where I can win championships.’ I don’t think that’s Milwaukee right now, as currently constructed.”
Beck added that an early slump could intensify speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future. The two-time MVP can enter free agency in two years, a timeline that could draw leaguewide interest if Milwaukee stumbles.
“If they struggle out of the gates and they’re in a bad way in late December, do I think the entire league is going to be knocking down the Bucks’ door, prying, seeing if he’s available?” Beck asked. “Any Bucks struggles are going to underscore the fact that he’s a free agent in two years and has made it very, very clear that he wants to contend while he’s still in his prime.”
Milwaukee’s most recent championship came in 2021, when Antetokounmpo led the franchise to its first title in 50 years.
Source: Hoops Wire
