2019-20 Eastern Conference Standings Predictions: Where do the Charlotte Hornets sit?

No. 2 – Milwaukee Bucks

After claiming the top seed in the Eastern Conference last year, I see the Bucks dropping down a slot. I think losing Malcolm Brogdon in free agency really hurt them. He did so much for that team. Wes Matthews is a good veteran that they picked up, but he won’t nearly have the impact that Brogdon did.

The big hope for Milwaukee is than Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to make progress and becomes a more complete player in 2019-20. He was the Most Valuable Player of the Year, obviously, but his production dipped in the playoffs and some of his flaws were on full display. He has the attitude and work ethic to improve, though.

Re-signing Khris Middleton over the summer was key, as he has developed into one of the most underappreciated All-Stars in the league. Antetokounmpo and Middleton are the core guys for this team; adding more pieces around them is key, but I’m not sure the Bucks accomplished that this summer.

Outside of the Brogdon loss, the Bucks are bringing back a similar roster to what they had last year. With so many teams, including the team who I have as my number one seed, getting better this off-season, I feel the Bucks took a step back. They still, obviously, have the potential to reach the NBA Finals this season.