The Bucks don’t want to panic

The month of December risks being decisive for the future Bucksshort-term but also long-term. With Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially absent by 2026and above all deep in thought about his futurethere could be a loss and possibly a sweep in Wisconsin.

Tenth in the Eastern Conference, and already in the red (10 wins – 15 losses), Milwaukee however, it intends not to falter and collectively lose track.

« We will not panic » thereby ensures Doc Rivers. « We’re not going to say to ourselves, ‘God, we’ve got to change the team’ or something like that. (Journalists) can do that, but we can’t. Absolutely not. »

The Bucks’ leading recruit in the offseason, Miles Turner shares his coach’s opinion: ” We are only five and a half games behind the 3rd place, so I think it is not time to panic, but to be aware of things » indicates pivot. ” Being aware and panicking are very different. We just have to be aware that we are not where we want to be, but not far from where we want to be. »

Optimistic but demanding, he adds: ” With the group we have right now, I think we’re fully capable of starting something up again. But instead of talking, we have to get out on the field and do it. »

The lieutenants will have to answer

Miles Turner whose offensive contributions will be essential in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence. The interior has averaged “only” 12.6 points (44% shooting, 39% 3-point) since his arrival at Wisconsin.

« We want him to be more involved, but we also want him to get good shots » explains Doc Rivers, putting pressure on Ryan Rollins or Kevin Porter Jr. to better position the former Pacers player. ” We have to circulate the ball better and it all comes down to spacing. »

Another player to be scrutinized in the coming days and weeks: Kyle Kuzma. It must be said that the winger was able to average over 20 points during his four years with the Wizards.

« This is the most effective season of his career » already reminds Doc Rivers, compared to his address of 50% (and 33% behind the arc). ” (To do that), we decided to eliminate his mid-range shots, and it’s as simple as that. Now he just goes to the rim and shoots threes. »

However, will this be enough to turn things around, with Milwaukee losing 10 of their last 12 games? Answer in the coming days, with the Celtics (home), Nets (away) and then the Raptors (home) on the menu.