NBA Hope Index: How far is each team from a ring heading into 2017-18?

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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 15: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball in the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Toronto Raptors during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on April 15, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

9. Milwaukee Bucks

There are around two dozen guys in the league at any given time that are capable of putting up an All-NBA type season. Of that group, maybe seven or eight have what it takes to win an MVP if everything breaks right. There are only three or four who possess the ability and demeanor to become the best player in the sport.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ceiling is higher than that. “He can play and guard any position” isn’t a buzzy line with him; it’s fact. Last year, he redefined what a modern wing can do in the right system, and he is 22 years old. The Bucks know what they have, and their plan to surround the Freak with as many multidimensional, switchy athletes as possible has yielded above average results thus far.

If Jabari can come back – again – from a devastating knee injury and their other young pieces continue to develop, there’s no reason why the Bucks can’t take up the mantle left by the Cavs if and when LeBron James departs for glitzier pastures.

The biggest problem they face is front office uncertainty brought on by an apparent lack of decision-making continuity within the ownership group. If they can just figure out how to get out of their own way and not sign any more disastrous contracts (John Henson and Matthew Dellavedova will be making almost $20 million combined in 2019/20), they have as good a shot as anyone at Eastern supremacy starting next year. From there, anything can happen.

Path to Glory: Try to work out a discounted extension with Jabari Parker, flip Greg Monroe and future unprotected picks for a real asset in February, and hope that Thon Maker makes good on the salivating potential he showed last season.

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