Milwaukee Bucks 2023 Offseason Player Tiers: The Franchise

As the NBA offseason settles down, the Milwaukee Bucks can finally catch their breath, and so can we. Now is the perfect opportunity to assess the various tiers of players on the Bucks’ roster this offseason.

The biggest moves Milwaukee made was to retain some of their own talent, as they re-signed the likes of Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and Jae Crowder. The veterans had varying degrees of success last season, but represent proven NBA players who understand what it takes to succeed at a high level.

The Bucks also added free agents Robin Lopez and Malik Beasley via veteran minimum deals. Lopez returns for his second stint in Milwaukee after previously playing for them during the 2019-20 season. Meanwhile, Beasley is a microwave scorer who can get hot in a hurry off the bench.

Milwaukee is also in desperate need of some young, fresh talent. That’s where they turned to the draft, selecting Andre Jackson Jr with the 36th overall pick and Chris Livingston with the 58th selection. Both players have their work cut out for them if they want to crack the rotation any time soon.

In a look at the entire roster, I’ve separated players into different tiers based on the roles they figure to play this season. Here are the Tiers:

• The Franchise
• The Cornerstones
• Core Rotational Pieces
• Role Players
• Chance To Earn A Spot
• End of Bench
• Longshots

Beginning with “The Franchise”, there’s only one player who fits into this category and we all know who it is; Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo remains the undisputed king of the Bucks, a bona fide superstar in the NBA landscape. Yet, questions persist about his well-being as he enters his 11th season. While he once displayed ironclad durability, the last four years have witnessed setbacks, particularly concerning his lower-body health, notably the nagging knee injury that has sidelined him for substantial stretches.

In his first six seasons, he rarely missed a beat, playing in no fewer than 72 games each year. However, the past four seasons have seen him fall short of the 67-game threshold, raising concerns about his long-term availability.

Amidst his offseason endeavors, Antetokounmpo finds himself with a packed schedule, slated to join Team Greece in the FIBA World Cup. However, this follows an offseason procedure aimed at tidying up loose cartilage in his left knee.

As the FIBA World Cup commences on August 25th, the Greek star’s participation remains uncertain, contingent on how he feels heading into the tournament. While he’s on the preliminary roster, a list that accommodates up to 22 players, only a 12-man squad will ultimately represent their nation. It’s unknown if he will be on the final roster.

Antetokounmpo’s relentless engagement with basketball, compounded by extended COVID seasons and Olympic commitments, has left little room for rest during past offseasons. Such demanding schedules may be a contributing factor to the recurring knee issues he’s encountered during NBA seasons.

As the Bucks’ franchise player, Giannis must strike a delicate balance between national duty and the preservation of his physical well-being. With his knees at the forefront of everyone’s concern, his decision to participate or rest could have significant implications for Milwaukee’s upcoming campaign.

Indeed, safeguarding the long-term health of Antetokounmpo will be of paramount importance for the Bucks. Under the tutelage of former head coach Mike Budenholzer, the team prioritized player well-being, and it’s likely that newcomer Adrian Griffin will uphold the same philosophy.

As the dust settles from Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets’ remarkable postseason journey, which captivated national media and fans alike, it presents an opportune moment for Antetokounmpo to reclaim the spotlight and reaffirm his status as the best player in the world. With his unmatched talent and work ethic, the Greek Freak remains a formidable force on the court, poised to lead the Bucks on another quest for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

With careful management and an eye toward the future, Milwaukee aims to position Antetokounmpo in peak condition, prepared to unleash his full potential when next year’s postseason rolls around. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the Greek superstar, eagerly anticipating his response to the challenge that lies ahead.