Bucks’ All-Star Hopes: Will Damian Lillard Join Giannis in the East?
As the All-Star voting period comes to a close, the Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in an interesting position. While Giannis Antetokounmpo is a lock for the All-Star game, having led the fan vote in the latest returns, the fate of Damian Lillard hangs in the balance.
Lillard’s case for an All-Star spot is compelling. He’s averaging 25 points per game, shooting 39% from three-point range, and maintaining a high assist rate. These numbers are impressive, especially considering the adjustment period with a new team. However, the competition in the Eastern Conference is fierce.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, currently holding the top seed, are likely to have multiple All-Stars. The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are also expected to have strong representation. This leaves Lillard competing for limited spots against players like Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, and Trae Young.
The Bucks’ slow start to the season (2-8) might work against Lillard’s All-Star chances. Despite the team’s improved performance since then, the narrative surrounding that initial struggle could influence voters and coaches.
Looking at historical precedents, it’s clear that offensive prowess is crucial for championship contenders. Most title-winning teams in recent years have boasted top-10 offenses. The Bucks currently rank 12th in offensive rating, which leaves room for improvement.
There have been exceptions, like the 2021-22 Golden State Warriors who won with the 16th-ranked offense. However, these cases are rare. For the Bucks to be considered serious contenders, they’ll need to elevate their offensive game to match their strong defensive showing (currently 8th in the league).
The coming weeks will be crucial for the Bucks. Not only will they reveal Lillard’s All-Star fate, but they’ll also indicate whether the team can find the offensive consistency needed for a deep playoff run.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bucks’ All-Star prospects and offensive strategies, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
• Preview of the upcoming matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans
• Analysis of historical championship teams’ offensive and defensive rankings
• Discussion on the Bucks’ current offensive and defensive standings
