Bucks vs Raptors

[MUfan12]

This is all temporary until Giannis signs that extension. That's why this stings so much. They leveraged a lot to win this year and still came up short.

[mufan2003]

This is all temporary until Giannis signs that extension. That's why this stings so much. They leveraged a lot to win this year and still came up short.

I would push back on that. "Leveraged" would insinuate that the Bucks took on (assumed) multi-year deals to make a push to win it all. Quite the contrary, Henson (multiple years left) and Dellavedova (multiple years left) turned into Hill, an expiring contract. Maker turned into Mirotic, expiring contract. Middleton has a player option, which if exercised, would clearly be under market value. Lopez's contract is expiring, playing for the bargain priced bi-annual exception. Brogdon is a restricted free agent, Bucks can match any offer.

Bottom line, Bucks are not stuck with long-term, bad contracts. I think Wilson (affordable rookie pay scale) replaces Mirotic. DiVincenzo (affordable rookie pay scale) replaces Hill (would love to keep him).

[MUfan12]

I would push back on that. "Leveraged" would insinuate that the Bucks took on (assumed) multi-year deals to make a push to win it all.

You're right, it was a poor choice of words. I just am struggling with the idea of "next year" with the amount of cap/roster alchemy needed to keep the main group intact. It felt like it was all aligned for them to get out of the East this year. 9-1 in the playoffs, up 2-0 in the ECF and have two main guys for Toronto foul out in Game 3. And it all evaporated. Ugh.

[mufan2003]

You're right, it was a poor choice of words. I just am struggling with the idea of "next year" with the amount of cap/roster alchemy needed to keep the main group intact. It felt like it was all aligned for them to get out of the East this year. 9-1 in the playoffs, up 2-0 in the ECF and have two main guys for Toronto foul out in Game 3. And it all evaporated. Ugh.

I agree with you. It was a blown opportunity. Still hard to fathom being up 15 with 2 minutes left in the 3rd, and then letting Toronto go on a 26-5 run (or something like that). Uncharacteristic of them. There was no juggernaut in the East, and the Bucks had the #1 seed. Up 2-0, very disappointing.

I remain optimistic because Giannis is a legit franchise player at 24. They finally found a good coach. Horst (and Milt Newton) are showing they can make the right moves (along with Bud's input). It will be an interesting offseason. Will Wilson and DiVincenzo take on bigger roles next year? Who will be back out of Brogdon, Lopez, Middleton, Hill and Mirotic? Plus the 30th pick in the draft. Curious to see how Toronto does against Golden State.