Just over a week away from the Milwaukee Bucks season-opener.
No other team in the NBA has higher expectations, after trading away beloved Jrue Holiday a day after he said he wanted to be a Buck for life, for superstar point guard Damian Lillard.
The Bucks won the NBA title in 2021 but haven’t advanced beyond the second round since.
They had the best record in the NBA last year, but then lost to eighth-seeded Miami in five games.
That led to the firing of Mike Budenholzer, hiring rookie coach Adrian Griffin in his place, hearing Giannis Antetokounmpo say he won’t stay in Milwaukee unless they’re committed to winning and then the Bucks trading for Lillard.
The biggest key for winning it all, though, may simply rest on health.
Khris Middleton’s health. The 32-year-old played 33 regular-season games last year.
Brook Lopez is 35 and two years removed from back surgery — but was healthy last season.
Lillard is 33 and played 58 and 29 games the past two seasons, respetively.
Plus, Antetokounmpo got injured in the first round of the playoffs last year, which may have led to the Heat upset.
The Bucks open at the Philadelphia 76ers at 6:30 p.m. next Thursday. Then their home-opener is 6 p.m. Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks.
TOP PHOTO: FILE – Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton and head coach Adrian Griffin pose for a picture during the NBA basketball team’s media day in Milwaukee Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)