Giannis Antetokounmpo (Photo : Getty Images Sport)
The Milwaukee Bucks was said to be the new NBA prototype team as they are young, long and athletic-but critics are already jumping off the bandwagon.
This is quite a puzzler because the Bucks do not lack for talent. According to the ESPN player rankings, the Bucks are one of only two teams that have four players in the top 50.
Yet, numerous predictions have placed the Bucks outside the playoff race. How can a young team with such talent not make the playoffs?
Zach Lowe of Grantland had his "crazy predictions" and the Bucks missing the playoffs was one of them.
One of the most criticized moves was trading Brandon Knight and replacing him with Michael Carter-Williams. The 2013 Rookie of the Year's poor shooting and weak court generalship will outweigh his size and athleticism.
Sir Charles In Charge, who also predicted that the Bucks will "disappoint," echoed Lowe's sentiments.
"Michael Carter-Williams simply didn't fill the void that was left after Knight was traded. That could prove to be a huge mistake."
Lowe went on to note that the team is just "too damn young" and that Monroe is not as much of a defensive rim protector.
These and other predictions prompted the Milawaukee Bucks fansite, Behind the Buck Pass to respond as they felt that the team is being underestimated.
They argued the criticism in every point and compared their supposed "mistakes" with other teams making similar "errors." They also warned the critics."
If those around the league want to underestimate the Bucks, not only are they doing so at their own peril, but they may also be helping them. This is a young team, so expectation is not something they're accustomed to just yet. If they get talked down, they once again get a chance to rise up from the outside lane and become a feature in the playoff race."
To top it off, they make their own prediction: "Mark it down, not only will the Bucks make the playoffs, they might even advance to the second round."
