Tactics

Mike Budenholzer has been head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks since the offseason of 2018, and in his first season in charge was named the NBA Coach of the Year as he led the Bucks to the first seed in the Eastern Conference. When in possession of the ball, the Bucks play a ‘five-out’ offense. This refers to the alignment of their players around the key in specific spots, namely the two corners, the two angles and the top of the key. These positions are interchangeable between players, allowing for fluid basketball that can be difficult to stop. Giannis or point guard Eric Bledsoe will usually have possession and drive towards the basket, either going to score or to draw opposition before slinging out to Middleton or Brook Lopez, their center who is more than capable from deep. The system allows for a decisive driving lane for the ball-handler, whilst taking all defenders away from the lane itself. The 'five-out’ offense is also designed to allow for each of the five offensive players to have a chance at scoring - any one of them could be open. It creates a good number of shot attempts, and the Bucks are effective in given shooting opportunities. On defense, the Bucks employ a much more passive style of play compared to other teams. Budenholzer is far more comfortable allowing the opposition to attempt shots from deep than the easy basket inside, and this is reflected in his defensive schemes. The Bucks placed emphasis on a defensive play known as ‘drop pick-and-roll’ defense; this is a play drawn up to limit the opposition’s effectiveness at the pick-and-roll by having the defender that is guarding the screener dropping below the screen in order to prevent shots around the rim. This basic setup helped the Bucks to a top defensive rating in the NBA last season.

Predicted 2019-20 Record: 58-24