It’s going to be a big year for the Milwaukee Bucks, and the energy was contagious at Bucks Media Day on Monday morning. While we can’t wait for this season to start, here’s ten important things from this year’s media day:
1. Built to win games
While there’s still some salt in the wounds from last year’s first-round playoff exit, the Bucks are fully intent on redeeming themselves this year. From the top down, the view is certainly that this year is a new opportunity to gear up for another championship run, this time with Doc Rivers at the helm for his first full season as head coach.
“It’s been a great offseason. It’s been vital with systems, with coaching staffs, with a returning roster and some key additions” said general manager Jon Horst. “For us to shape the staff in the way that Doc wants and needs was first and foremost. To figure out which key pieces to add to our returning core vet players was really important.”
2. Giannis is healthy, refocused
Giannis Antentokoumpo had been recovering from his knee injury that kept him out of part of the Bucks’ playoff series with the Indiana Pacers last year. After a summer that included representing Greece in the Olympics, as well as getting married, he was excited to get back to basketball as well.
“I was happy that I was playing basketball again. After like two and a half months I was able to be there for the three qualifiers, and then play in the Olympics. That was an awesome experience” said Giannis. “I don’t take moments for granted, but being able to play in the Olympics after six years was awesome.”
3. Comeback Khris
Speaking of returns, Khris Middleton is set to return this year after having surgery on both ankles in July. As of Monday, he was on the court working out and plans to be taking the floor for opening night of the season, after a limited role in training camp and their preseason games.
“We actually haven’t had one conversation about it yet” said Middleton. “Right now it’s just getting to training camp. Getting to five on five again. Those are the first steps, and we’ll get to that whenever it comes.”
4. Dame Time, now with enough time
This year is a new beginning for Damian Lillard, who was traded to Milwaukee just two days before training camp last season. Lillard felt as though last season started a bit chaotic, as you would expect being thrown into a new system might be. He’s looking forward to starting fresh this year, rather than just trying to get through the season. He also feels as though he’s in the best shape of his life, and that can only mean good things for Milwaukee.
“I know Giannis’ game better than I did when I got here” said Lillard.” I’m more familiar with Doc than when he got here. I’m more familiar with Khris, and you know, the rest of the guys on the team. So we don’t have to go through that process again this time.”
5. Wait… how many lunges?
Damian Lillard worked out with retired Navy SEAL David Goggins over the offseason, and it frankly sounds brutal. Physically and mentally, it was a test of Lillard’s natural strength.
“I was with him for like four and a half days. In four days I think we did 16 workouts” said Lilalrd. “The craziest thing I would say that we did, as part of a workout, we did 1,000 lunges. Literally 1,000. Earlier in that same day we did 700 push-ups in 45 minutes. I would’ve never had done that ever in life, but somehow he got that out of me. It was more mental than anything. It took about three weeks to a month when I wasn’t sore anymore.”
6. The return of Darvin Ham
A big focal point of Monday's media questioning was the return of former Bucks assistant coach and player Darvin Ham to the Bucks’ coaching staff. Ham previously spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, and was let go this past May.. Several players, as well as coach Rivers saw the move as one that will benefit the team, especially on the defense.
“I know he’s learned a lot from his time in L.A.” said Brook Lopez. “He showed me some schemes that he’s hoping to incorporate defensively, and we’ve talked about it. I think it’s not going to bring anything but good things for us.”
7. New faces
Among the members of the Bucks that addressed the media on Monday was new addition Gary Trent Jr., who had played with Damian Lillard previously in Portland. Trent spoke highly of the organization and is ready for a fresh start in Milwaukee.
“We’re here now. The goal is to continue to keep building” said Trent. “Take it day by day, and accomplish the goal that we all want to accomplish.”
8. What’s up, Doc?
Head coach Doc Rivers is excited to return for a full season with the Bucks this year, and he spoke about it on Monday. He also mentioned the importance of getting his players to bond with one another. The team will start training camp by traveling to California to practice at UC-Irvine after Monday.
“From a team standpoint, it’s nice that our first game on the road. No families, no friends around, just us. I think that’s good for our team” said Rivers.
He also talked about the atmosphere in the early scrimmages happening before camp kicks off.
“We've been in town for like three weeks now playing pick up games. The one thing I think people are seeing around the gym is that there's a lot of competition here right now.”
When asked about his relationship with the organization, Rivers also didn’t hold back.
“If I know anything in my 25 years, it’s that the best team starts here,” said Rivers, referring to Horst. “When you have that, then you have a chance to win. “John and I talk about this. Our relationship has to be great. That doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything. But that means once we’re done fighting we go to dinner. That’s very important.”
9. Coal in the Bucks’ stockings
The Bucks do not have a Christmas Day game this year, and both Lopez and Middleton were asked about feeling snubbed by the NBA. Both weren’t pleased, but Lopez in particular had a more apathetic viewpoint to the league’s decision.
“The only reason I knew about that was because my wife, Hailee, said ‘it’s great, because it’s Julian’s first Christmas and you guys are going to be home on Christmas.’ So I said ‘so we’re playing at home on Christmas?’ and she said ‘No you’re not playing on Christmas.’ I was like ‘oh, we’re not playing on Christmas. Great. Alright. Whatever.’ I guess it’s a good thing. I can have Robin over, and we can sneak to the Chrstmas tree at 4 a.m. like we used to when we were kids and open presents.”
10. Giannis, being the Greek Freak that he is.
When asked about his wedding this summer, Giannis knew right away what his favorite moment was. It’s the eyebrow raise after that lets you know.
If that’s any indicator of how the Bucks are feeling heading into this year, things are looking positive before the regular season tips off on October 23rd. The preseason will begin on October 6th in Detroit, and single game tickets are on sale now at the Bucks website.
It’s time to Fear the Deer once again! Stay tuned to OnMilwaukee for more Bucks coverage all season long.
