Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

The Eastern Conference is a mess (it’s not just the Orlando Magic)

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) drives to the basket past Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) drives to the basket past Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 11
Next
Jan 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) reacts with center Greg Monroe (15) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) after scoring a basket in the first quarter against the Miami Heat at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) reacts with center Greg Monroe (15) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) after scoring a basket in the first quarter against the Miami Heat at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Milwaukee Bucks

Can raw length make a defense?

The Milwaukee Bucks were the surprise team in 2015, sneaking into the Playoffs behind some amazing length on defense and seemingly limiteless potential.

The Internet was agog over Giannis Antetokounmpo. There were some other young pieces that did not quite make sense, but still some time to grow. And Jabari Parker coming back from injury.

The promise was enough to attract one of the bigger free agents in Greg Monroe. The Bucks were the “it” team.

Last season for the Bucks though was disappointing. The whole things seemed to come falling apart. Monroe was a very poor fit as the Bucks turned in their defensive dominance for the follies of youth.

Antetokounmpo remained Internet darling, and he can still be very good. But his strength can sometimes be overstated. Antetokounmpo showed plenty though to trust him with the ball a lot more and a continued growing scoring prowess.

That defense though will remain the big concern. Despite all the talent, the Bucks were one of the worst defensive teams in the league a year after being one of the best. In 2015, Milwaukee ranked second with a 99.3 defensive rating. Last year, the Bucks were 22nd with a 105.7 defensive rating.

It was quite a significant drop. And the big reason why the Bucks sat home from the Playoffs.

Whether Antetokounmpo can play point guard or not is a big question for the Bucks, but the bigger question is whether the team can regain its defensive identity or whether it will remain a bundle of potential.

Next: Setting sun?