Last week, the Bucks did what many considered to be impossible. They came back from a 2-0 deficit and won four straight games to win the NBA finals! Giannis was spectacular in game six, as he had a statline of 50/14/5, shooting 16-25 from the field and 17-19 from the free throw line. He won a very well deserved finals MVP for his performance.
The Bucks had an incredible journey to the finals. They dethroned the heavily favored Nets in 7 games, came out of the east and put an end to questions about Giannis’ ability to win in the playoffs, as well as if Budenholzer was the right coach for the job.
The Suns’ run should not be overlooked as well. They took down last year’s champs in six, and Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton became an elite big three this playoffs. While Chris Paul had a disappointing finals performance, the fact that he was able to play at an elite level at age 36 is incredible.
Now that the finals have concluded, it is time to assess what is next for both teams. The Suns have a big question surrounding their near future regarding what to do with Chris Paul, and the Bucks are in that stage where they now must try to become a dynasty. Let’s take a look at what the outlook is for both the Bucks and the Suns.
Milwaukee Bucks
Now that Giannis and the Bucks have finally got their ring, the next thing that should already be on their mind is how to win more. With the weirdness of the short NBA season, it is a fair statement to say they are not the favorite to repeat as champs. A fully healthy Nets team has more starpower and a full offseason of rest may put them in the driver’s seat to become the top dog in the conference.
I personally am rooting for Milwaukee to come out of the East and I would love to see them become a dynasty. For that to happen, Milwaukee can improve a few things without even making any additions to their team. Giannis’ one flaw is his jumpshot. He shot 57.3 percent from the free throw line this playoffs, which should be much higher for a player of Giannis’ caliber. If he can stay near the 72 percent he shoots in the regular season, the Bucks will win more playoff games early on and will not be playing from behind in series deficits like they did this season.
Khris Middleton improving his consistency would also do wonders for Milwaukee. With the exception of game 7 against Brooklyn, every game where Middleton shot 35 percent or less from the field the Bucks lost. Middleton is human, he is not going to have a great game every night. But, he should not be shooting below 35 percent so regularly. He shot that poorly six times this playoffs, so if he can cut his off nights in half, Milwaukee will have the ability to beat a healthy Brooklyn squad.
There are not any glaring needs on the roster, but if Bobby Portis leaves in free agency, they will need a new sixth man to replace him. Jeff Green has the size and shooting the frontcourt needs there, so he would be a good potential replacement option if needed.
Phoenix Suns
The biggest question the Suns have to answer this offseason is what to do with Chris Paul. Do they extend him long term, or do they let him walk and give Booker the keys to the kingdom?
Normally, resigning CP3 would be a no brainer. His leadership helped lead them to the finals and was the missing piece for a team that just needed a veteran push to get over the hump. However, Chris Paul is 36 years old. He only likely has about four more seasons left, and will likely decline in ability very soon. Would the Suns be better off letting CP3 go elsewhere for one last chance at a ring?
I don’t think CP3 or the Suns would benefit from CP3 moving on. With the CBA’s “over 38” rule, CP3 can only receive a four year extension in Phoenix since they would hold his bird rights. While I think that would be a little too long for the kind of money CP3 wants, it is also their best hope at a title.
Even though they took major steps with their development this season, I still do not think Booker and Ayton would be ready to lead a team on their own. They are still improving every year, and since Chris Paul is the one that pushed to go to Phoenix when he was on the trade block, he will be willing to work out a team friendly deal in order for them to run their squad back.
What do you think the Bucks and Suns should do this offseason? Let me know in the comments.