The Milwaukee Bucks made a bold move by firing their coach midseason, but their strong position in the standings gave them the luxury of taking such a gamble. With the fourth-best record in the NBA, the Bucks could afford to be patient with their new coach, Doc Rivers, and prioritize implementing a play style better suited for the postseason, even if it meant trading a few losses in the process.
For the Bucks, it was like finally deciding to try parrying in a video game after button mashing proved ineffective against tough bosses. They had been relying on their offensive prowess, averaging 124 points per game, and hoping that would be enough to overcome any structural deficiencies. However, when you have a player like Damian Lillard on your roster, there needs to be an emphasis on effort.
Lillard is known for his defensive effort, getting back in transition and pointing out streaking opponents for his teammates to pick up while he hustles back. Unfortunately, that wasn’t happening under the previous offensive-focused system. If the Bucks want to get the most out of their talented roster, Lillard needs to be more involved on offense.
Letting Lillard take on a larger offensive role would free up Giannis Antetokuonmpo to focus on cleaning up messes in the dining room, rather than spending all his time in the kitchen. Antetokuonmpo is having a historically efficient offensive season largely because Lillard is a threat from everywhere on the court. However, the same cannot be said for Lillard, who is arguably enduring his least productive campaign since his early years in the league.
To be fair, Antetokuonmpo is the best player on the team and has earned the lion’s share of touches. But is he the best offensive player on the Bucks? Lillard is an incredibly prolific scorer, and his ability to find his own shot while also deferring to the hot hand is a valuable asset. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to get going enough this season, leading the team in scoring only 11 times out of 47 games.
The Bucks’ strategy of relying on close games to secure wins has been effective, as they boast a league-best 18-7 record in games decided by five points or fewer. However, it’s not the style of play that Lillard, or NBA fans, had in mind when the blockbuster trade was announced. Lillard is known for his scoring prowess, and his offensive abilities should be maximized, not minimized.
Doc Rivers, although a respected coach, has a history of relying too heavily on talent to bail out his aimless strategies. His offenses have stagnated over the years, and the Celtics’ 2008 title, which is often brought up in his defense, can be attributed to the sheer talent on that roster rather than his coaching prowess.
In their recent loss to the Denver Nuggets, the Bucks scored their fourth-lowest point total of the season. Antetokuonmpo finished below his usual scoring average, and Lillard had another forgettable outing. If Lillard is only going to be the second option on offense, it reflects poorly on the coaching.
Moving forward, it is crucial for Rivers to make adjustments to make the offense more friendly for a guard like Lillard, who has shown he can take over games, series, and even months. The success of the Bucks relies on Lillard doing the heavy lifting on offense, as Antetokuonmpo’s defensive contributions are essential for the team’s title aspirations.
Ultimately, the Bucks’ decision to fire their coach midseason was a calculated risk. Their strong position in the standings allowed them to prioritize long-term success over short-term wins. Now, it’s up to Doc Rivers to make the necessary adjustments and unlock the full potential of this talented roster, with Damian Lillard playing a more prominent offensive role.
