NBA Power Rankings: 2016-17 Training Camp Edition

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with the Larry O
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with the Larry O
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Feb 1, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) looks on during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) looks on during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks should be higher on this list. Unfortunately, because of the injury to Khris Middleton, I can’t see them any better than a fringe playoff team at best. However, in an improving Eastern Conference, I would assume that the loss of their best offensive and most durable player, will cost them a season.

This won’t be a lost season for the Bucks necessarily, but it will be one that they’ll have to throw away. Without their best player, I’m not sure what the Bucks can expect out of their 2016-17 season.

Adding Michael Beasley might help, but it wouldn’t be fair to expect him to replace Middleton. He simply can’t.