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3 Flaws the Bucks Must Improve on After NBA Season Restart

By Tyler Kemp

Head Coach Mike Budenholzer talking with Giannis Antetokounmpo on the bench
Head Coach Mike Budenholzer talking with Giannis Antetokounmpo on the bench / Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

For the last two years, the Bucks have been the best team in the Eastern Conference. After losing to the Raptors in the Conference Finals in 2019, everyone believed Milwaukee was one year away from contention. In 2020, the Bucks hold the pole position in the East, and the pressure is on to be great. Since Milwaukee wants to win now, here are a few flaws the Bucks need to fix once the season restarts.

3. Rebounding

Brook Lopez grabbing a rebound
Brook Lopez grabbing a rebound / Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Bucks are in the bottom third of the league in opponents rebounding per game. Only three other teams in the bottom 10 of the league in rebounds allowed are currently in the top eight seeds of their respective conference. If Milwaukee fails to block out on misses, that allows teams to have second chance scoring opportunities. As a result, this allows more points scored on one of the better defensive teams in the league.

2. Steals

Donte DiVincenzo going against Terence Davis and the Toronto Raptors
Donte DiVincenzo going against Terence Davis and the Toronto Raptors / Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

While Milwaukee has the best defensive rating in the league, it still ranks bottom 10 in the league in steals per game. Mike Budenholzer’s squad plays stout defense, but it could translate more of its defensive stops into more transition points. If Milwaukee’s perimeter defenders like Khris Middleton, Eric Bledsoe and Donte DiVincenzo can take the ball away more, that leads to more run-outs and scoring opportunities.

1. Free Throws

Giannis Antetokounmpo at the free throw line
Giannis Antetokounmpo at the free throw line / Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

If there is one true achilles heel to Milwaukee, it's their free throw shooting. They are currently fourth worst in the league in percentage from the charity stripe, which means they are not capitalizing on even more scoring chances. In the playoffs, Milwaukee is going to need to take advantage of these opportunities. If not, hack-a-Buck will be in store.