Insights Gleaned at Midpoint of Milwaukee Bucks' Seasonal Journey

The Milwaukee Bucks have hit the halfway point of their 2024-25 NBA season, boasting a decent 25-17 record following a thumping victory over the Miami Heat on national television. Although it's not the dominant start fans had hoped for, it's a significant improvement from their disastrous 2-8 start to the season.

Post-stumble, the Bucks have weathered the storm, stabilizing themselves with the NBA's third-best record over their last 32 games, climbing back into contention as one of the league's more balanced teams.

Milwaukee now ranks ninth in offensive rating (115.8), tenth in defensive rating (112.7), and ninth in point differential (+3.1), according to Cleaning the Glass. They've met one of Doc Rivers' key benchmarks for title contenders: top-ten rankings in efficiency on both sides of the ball.

As the season reaches its midpoint, here are four key takeaways from the Bucks' campaign so far:

Bobby Portis' Gap to Fill

Let's be clear: Bobby Portis is a valuable player in the right context. He's a 6-foot-10 big who can score from all three levels, boasting a 40% three-point shooting average over the past five seasons. He's also popular among teammates and fans alike.

However, Milwaukee needs more from their third big man.

Portis' ball-holding tendencies can slow down the offense, dragging the Bucks' tempo down to a crawl. On defense, his limitations are even more apparent. Portis struggles in space and often falls short when protecting the rim or defending in the short mid-range. Cleaning the Glass shows that the Bucks allow five points more per 100 possessions with Portis on the court, with a noticeable defensive dip at the rim and short mid-range.

With a $13.4 million player option looming this offseason, it's uncertain if Portis will opt in or use his offer to test the free agent market. The Bucks might find themselves making difficult decisions. They could choose to let him walk away for nothing or attempt to flip him at the trade deadline for a better fit.

Regardless of the outcome, it's clear that the Bucks need a new look from their third big man if they're serious about challenging for a championship.

Lillard-Antetokounmpo's Chemistry Blossoms

The Lillard-Antetokounmpo pairing started slower than anticipated, but those early chemistry concerns have now morphed into distant memories. The two stars have learned to play off each other, utilizing their unique skills to dominate opponents.

When Lillard and Antetokounmpo share the court, Milwaukee scores 5.8 points more per 100 possessions, registering an electric 117.3 points per 100 possessions and a top-tier 57.3 effective field goal percentage (second best in the league).

Lillard's ability to stretch the floor and create off the dribble has opened up new lanes for Antetokounmpo, while Antetokounmpo's gravitational pull provides Lillard with easier perimeter chances. As their partnership continues to evolve, the Bucks will be a force to be reckoned with come playoff time.

Khris Middleton's Continuing Struggles

Khris Middleton's battle against injuries has taken the spotlight this season. Since a 2022 postseason-ending MCL sprain, Middleton has been besieged by a series of setbacks. While he hasn't suffered any significant new injuries, his recovery from offseason surgeries on both ankles hasn't gone as planned.

Tendonitis has limited Middleton to a bench role, with a strict minutes restriction and periodic rest games. At 33 years old, with a growing injury history, it's important for the Bucks to determine the extent of his recovery.

Middleton's critical role in the team's postseason aspirations makes his current limitations an ongoing concern. The Bucks must answer these questions quickly, as they can't depend on the old Middleton and must adjust their strategy accordingly.

The Emergence of Andre Jackson Jr. and AJ Green

One of the season's pleasant surprises has been the progression of young wings Andre Jackson Jr. and AJ Green. Their development has furnished the Bucks with a much-needed boost, infusing energy and versatility into a rotation in dire need of fresh contributors.

Doc Rivers deserves credit for placing trust in both players, addressing a past criticism levied during his tenure as a head coach.

Jackson's athletic abilities and defensive instincts have propelled him ahead of veterans like Pat Connaughton. Meanwhile, Green's shooting has provided crucial spacing, complementing Lillard and Antetokounmpo.

Both players still have room for growth, specifically on the defensive and offensive ends, but their potential is palpable. If they continue to improve, they could become integral pieces in the Bucks' playoff rotation and prove to be valuable contributors to the team's stars.

The Bucks' success in the second half of the season has also shown a positive impact on their business side, with increased ticket sales and merchandise sales due to their improved performance and title contention status.

Additionally, the team's impressive turnaround and performance in sports has garnered significant attention from corporate sponsors, potentially leading to increased sponsorship deals and revenue streams.