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Getty ImagesThe Milwaukee Bucks made their first significant decision this offseason when they hired Adrian Griffin as the 17th head coach in franchise history, taking over for the previously fired Mike Budenholzer. Now, the work is just beginning.
Thanks to the new CBA, this offseason will be incredibly difficult for the Bucks to do anything besides retain their rotation from last season’s team. A major shakeup will require gutsy trades and unforeseen moves. The most realistic path forward is to maintain the status quo.
Even then, there’s an order of operations the Bucks will likely follow. They already answered the question about their head coach position, and they’ll likely continue down the line by first addressing the top of their roster. Let’s check out the likely order of decisions they’ll make this offseason.
1). Khris Middleton Player Option
It was a good sign Khris Middleton was invited to the dinner with the head coaching candidates last week. He has a $40.4 million player option which he must make a decision on by June 21st. That gives him about three weeks to work with.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see him decline, take his free agent status into the start of unrestricted free agency and eventually re-sign with the Bucks. That’s the only way he could sign for anything less than his player option for 2023-24. I doubt he’ll want to play his age 32 season, coming off significant injuries, on a one-year deal. He’ll search for a multi-year contract one way or the other. This is where the decisions begin for the Bucks.
2). Jevon Carter Player Option
Jevon Carter squeezes in here due to the timing of his player option, which comes due by June 29th. It’s worth a measly $2.2 million in 2023-24, leading me to believe he’ll decline it in search of a bigger payday. Milwaukee will have the ability to offer him more than that if they so desire, but every penny will count extra toward the luxury tax.
3). Brook Lopez Extension
After Milwaukee figures out what they’re doing with Middleton, Brook Lopez is the second most prominent name on their offseason list. The big man was a key cog on both ends of the floor and is the only true, quality center they have on the roster.
The First-Team All-Defender could sign an extension before June 30th for up to three years and $54.1 million. I expect him to get somewhere in the neighborhood of $16 million a year for two-to-three years.
4). AJ Green Qualifying Offer
AJ Green isn’t a priority free agent this offseason, like Middleton and Lopez are, but Milwaukee must make a qualifying offer worth $1.77 million by June 29th. Green played well enough on a two-way deal last year to earn another look. Whether that will be by the Bucks or someone else is to be determined.
5). Jae Crowder/Joe Ingles
After Lopez and Middleton’s futures are determined, Milwaukee will have to look long and hard at Jae Crowder and Joe Ingles. The former talked openly about not knowing his place in Milwaukee following their first-round playoff exit. However, Budenholzer’s firing may change his heart. He struggled with the Bucks, but the only tool Milwaukee will have to sign outside free agents this offseason is veteran minimum contracts, and Crowder is better than anyone they could bring in on that deal.
As for Ingles, he was limited in the postseason, but was a great addition to the second unit. He’s creative with the rock in his hands and developed a great rapport with Lopez. His relationship with Middleton could also lead to his return.
6). Other Free Agent Decisions
After they settle things with two of their core four and two role players, Milwaukee will look to the plethora of other free agents on their roster. This list includes Wesley Matthews, Goran Dragic, Meyers Leonard, and Thanasis Antetokounmpo. If Matthews plays again next season, he’s a no-brainer to bring back. It’s whatever for everyone else.
7). Veteran Minimum Contracts
If we work under the assumption that the Bucks bring back Middleton, Lopez, Carter, Crowder, and Ingles, that would give them 11 players under contract for 2023-24. They’d need to sign at least two-to-three more (depending on what they do with their 58th overall pick in the draft).
Due to the new CBA, they won’t have the typical taxpayer mid-level exception to use this summer. That’s a big blow that will force them to rely solely on veteran minimum contracts. They’ll certainly need to target a center and a point guard with those contracts. Another wing could be in the cards as well.
Brian Sampson, Contributor
https://www.forbes.com/sites/briansampson/2023/05/29/projected-order-of-milwaukee-bucks-offseason-decisions/
By: Brian Sampson, Contributor
Title: Projected Order Of Milwaukee Bucks Offseason Decisions
Sourced From: www.forbes.com/sites/briansampson/2023/05/29/projected-order-of-milwaukee-bucks-offseason-decisions/
Published Date: 05-29-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a restricted-free agent in NBA?
An NBA restricted free agent is a player who has fulfilled their rookie contract but becomes an unrestricted-free agent. Their rights remain with their former team. The team can match any offer sheet that another team makes to the player in this situation. The player can choose to match any offer made by another team. However, they must stay with the previous team and honor their contract. This allows teams retain players who are proven valuable, but cannot afford them because of their salary caps. This type of restricted free agent can give teams valuable flexibility in building their rosters.
Who holds the record for most career playoff wins in the NBA?
LeBron has led the charge with an impressive 174 wins over NBA Playoffs history. He also played in 266 games. It's easy to see why he is one the most sought-after players in basketball today.
Which is the greatest NBA dynasty?
This topic is hotly debated and has been talked about for decades. The "showtime Lakers of 1980-1989" dominated the league for nearly a decade, winning five championships led by Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. During that period, the Lakers were also home to superstars like James Worthy or Byron Scott.
From 200-2004, the Los Angeles Lakers, also known as Shaw and Kobe Lakers were a formidable force. They were defended by Shaquille and Kobe Bryant, both Hall of Famers. They won three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002.
The Chicago Bulls of 1990 were also a dominant force in their time. They won six championships under Phil Jackson, the legendary head coach. Michael Jordan is widely regarded as being the greatest player of all-time. The Chico Bulls of 1995-1996 are one the most notable teams in NBA basketball history. They won the first of three consecutive NBA Championships and were the only team to win 72 games that season. The Bulls' 72-10 regular-season record was broken by Golden State Warriors in 2015-16.
The Boston Celtics of 1965 are probably the most well-known dynasty of NBA basketball history. They won eight consecutive NBA championships and 11 titles during 13 years of Red Auerbach, Hall of Fame coach. Legendary players Bill Russell, Bob Cousys, John Havliceks, Sam Jones and John Havlicek helped to create a winning culture which has been unmatched in decades.
The San Antonio Spurs is also considered a top contender to be the best NBA team. From 1999 to 2007 the Spurs won four league championships and had one among the most impressive runs in league history. The team was led by future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Gregg Popovich as their coach. They improved the team's basketball game, emphasizing a team-first mindset that helped them to be successful.
The Golden State Warriors are one of the most successful teams in NBA history, with four championships in the last decade. Steve Kerr is their head coach and they are led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thomson, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson. The Warriors are a thrilling brand of basketball that has delighted fans around the world and is also considered the greatest NBA dynasty.
It's difficult to pick one team that is the greatest NBA Dynasty. Each team had its unique group of players and coaches that made them successful, but some stood out more than others due to their dominance. It would be hard to argue for the greatest NBA dynasty without the Bulls Bulls Bulls Celtics Spurs Warriors and Celtics.
How long does it take to become an NBA superstar?
It takes an immense amount of time and dedication to become a professional NBA superstar truly. It takes years of hard work, physical conditioning, as well as skill development to become an NBA star. Most players spend between three- and five years at college learning their skills before they can be drafted. Once they are drafted, players must perform well in the NBA. You will need to be more skilled and receive professional guidance from your coaches and trainers in order to do this. Being a NBA legend is not something that can be achieved overnight or in a few years. It takes dedication, commitment, and time to reach such accolades. If you are determined and have the right mindset, you can achieve your goals and become a NBA Superstar!
Statistics
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20% of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The opening game of the 2020 Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat brought in only 7.41 million viewers to ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- Between 2012 and 2019, the league lost 40 to 45 percent of its viewership. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An estimated 800 million viewers watched the [105]2017–18 season. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
nba.com
si.com
sbnation.com
How To
How do you get into the NBA?
The two options for becoming an NBA player include high school or college.
NCAA schools offer college players the opportunity to attend Duke University, North Carolina State University or the University of Kentucky. These schools offer four year education and training. This period teaches players how to handle the ball, shoot, and rebound. They learn how to run an offense and defense. They are also taught how to think like a professional athlete.
Prep schools are open to high school athletes from outside their home states. These schools offer personalized attention and focus on talent development. They teach players academics, character building, and sportsmanship.
Both types of players must pass the same physical tests before they are allowed to enter the draft. The test involves running 40 meters, jumping over a 5'6", standing on one foot, and throwing a football through tires.
These players are invited to take part in training sessions at various NBA teams if they pass the tests. The players are judged on their height, speed, weight, wingspan, or size.
Teams also take into account their past experience. For instance, if a player has played AAU basketball, he will likely receive preferential treatment.
Sometimes players considered too small or incompetent to play professionally can be called "one-and gotten" prospects. The second round of the draft usually chooses these players.
Some players will skip college to go straight to the NBA. These players are called "prospects." Prospects don’t have to wait until the last year to declare their eligibility for the draft.
They can apply to get an exemption so they can enter the draft before others. If a prospect does so, he will be able to compete against other prospects during the pre-draft process.
Summer leagues are a great way for prospects to increase their chances of being selected. Summer league games are played in July or August.
Scouts can see players live without having to worry about injuries.
June marks the start of the NBA Draft. It is the time when all the top players are evaluated by the NBA teams. Each team receives a set number of picks in each round.
For example, the first pick in the first round is the 15th overall selection. The 60th pick in the third round is the 20th selection.
Teams trade after the draft to add players to their rosters. Some teams even hold mini-camp tryouts inviting potential draftees to train with them.
Draft day is thrilling! What happens next?
The draft is over once it begins. There's no waiting for your name being called. Each NBA team picks a player from the pool.
A contract is sent to a player once he has been selected by the team. It details his salary, playing hours, and benefits. He is made a part of the organization.
He also receives an embroidered jersey with his name on the front and a shirt with his new nickname.
Finally, he signs his contract. That means he officially joins the NBA.
