The Vertical Front-Office Insider Bobby Marks, a 20-year executive with the Nets, examines the off-season plans for teams that didn’t make the postseason.

THE PLAN GOING FORWARD

Giannis at the point

Give coach Jason Kidd and his staff credit for putting Giannis Antetokounmpo in position to become the focal point of the offense this season. In a league in which creativity and putting your five best players on the court (not based on positions) is the trend, the 6-foot-11 Antekounmpo has found a comfort level running the Bucks’ offense.





View photos Giannis Antetokounmpo has franchise-player potential. (AP) More

With a strong offseason of development and continued familiarity running the offense, Antetokounmpo’s potential is limitless. He’s only 21 and has franchise-player talent.

Rebuild the bench

Priority No. 1 this offseason is rebuilding a bench that struggled because of injuries, the inconsistencies of youth, and the trades of veterans Jared Dudley and Zaza Pachulia last summer.



With veterans Jerryd Bayless, Greivis Vasquez and O.J. Mayo set to enter free agency and the starting lineup set for next season, the focus for the Bucks will need to center around finding athletic wings to complement their starters and a reliable power forward to back up Jabari Parker.

With cap space and Michael-Carter Williams moved to a reserve role, along with the solid late-season play of Tyler Ennis and John Henson, the Bucks’ bench should be much improved.

Don’t mess with the core

Milwaukee is on solid footing despite missing the playoffs. Antetokounmpo, 21, Khris Middleton, 24, and Parker, 21, are three of the NBA’s best players under 25.



With Parker turning the corner after ACL surgery last season, Antetokounmpo moving closer to becoming an elite player, and Middleton possessing size, length and versatility, Milwaukee has three players to build around.

Milwaukee controls Antetokounmpo and Parker for the near future, and Middleton has four more years left on his contract.

Trying to fit Monroe

The numbers might say Greg Monroe performed at the same level he did when he was in Detroit.



View photos Greg Monroe didn't quite fit with the Bucks last season. (AP) More

The eye test however revealed a skilled offensive player who performed as one the worst defensive centers in the NBA.

Fortunately for the Bucks the cap is rising this summer, so the two years left on Monroe’s contract ($33.5 million total) is manageable.

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