30 in 30: The Milwaukee Bucks are still the cream of the crop in the East

We check in with the Milwaukee Bucks and predict that they’ll still be the cream of the crop atop the Eastern Conference in 2022-23.

A disappointing title defense last season should not damper what is expected to be a big opportunity for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022-23. In fact, you can probably throw last year’s playoff run out the door. The Bucks weren’t healthy and had they would be, they’d probably make it back to the NBA Finals.

That’s not taking away from what the Boston Celtics were able to accomplish, that’s just using some context. Nevertheless, if the Bucks can remain healthy this season, they should be the favorites to emerge from the Eastern Conference once again.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ success will start with Giannis Antetokounmpo

Let’s not be mistaken, Giannis Antetokounmpo is still the best player in the world. He’s coming off a playoff run in which he averaged 32 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists per game on 49 percent shooting from the field. If – and that’s a big “if” – he ever finds his 3-point stroke, the rest of the league is in huge trouble.

Even without a consistent 3-point shot, Giannis is still very much unfair. Nevertheless, the Bucks’ success will start with Giannis, once again, this season.