The Milwaukee Bucks are about to tip-off the most important season in franchise history.<\/p>\n
I still find it hard to believe, but they\u2019re one of basketball\u2019s best teams! Last year was a hallmark season: The Bucks secured their best record since the early 1980s, Giannis Antetokounmpo was named league MVP<\/a>, Mike Budenholzer won Coach of the Year and general manager Jon Horst took home Executive of the Year honors.<\/p>\n But most importantly, Milwaukee came tantalizingly close to a title, losing to the eventual champion Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Finals. It was the first time the team had advanced that far since 2001<\/a>. Even with the loss, last season\u2019s performance heralded a new era for the team. After seemingly endless years of rebuilding and mediocrity, the Bucks are undeniably legit.<\/p>\n Still, this is a make-or-break year for the team. Sure, they\u2019re a Finals contender<\/a> again, but alarm bells are already ringing<\/a>. If the team underperforms, there will be much<\/em> less incentive for the Greek Freak to stick around<\/a>. (He\u2019ll almost certainly be offered a huge contract extension next summer, when first eligible. If not, or if he declines, Giannis can enter free agency in summer 2021.)<\/p>\n That\u2019s why this year is so critical for the Bucks. Fortunately, they\u2019ve added some pieces that could prove invaluable to a championship run.<\/span>\n The Bucks brought on a couple of high-impact veterans this offseason. One is Madison Memorial grad<\/a> Wesley Matthews, a journeyman wing with a chameleonic game. Matthews has the potential to be a huge x-factor for whatever team he\u2019s on \u2014 if he can stay healthy. The 33-year-old has been plagued by injuries throughout his career but is a solid contributor when he\u2019s on the floor.<\/span>\nWhat\u2019s new?<\/h2>\n