Despite the horrific ending to their once-promising campaign last season, Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst is unwavering in his belief that the core of his team remains perfectly capable of hoisting an NBA championship. Despite the advancing age of some members of the team’s title-winning core, Horst asserts the Bucks are highly motivated to bounce back this coming season.
They know what it takes
Experience plays a key role in any championship run, and the Bucks' core is full of it. Giannis Antetokounmpo has already established himself as one of the most feared players in the league, but he's also surrounded by a supporting cast with a wealth of postseason wisdom. Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday, and Bobby Portis all went through the gauntlet during their run to the title in 2021. That experience will prove invaluable during the Bucks' pursuit of another title in 2023-2024.
Horst expressed that their biggest edge is because they know what it will take to reclaim the top spot.
“Number one, because they’ve done it. We still believe we have the best player in the world, who is incredibly motivated, and these guys still fit, and they’re also really motivated. They want to do more. I think we’re all proud of who we’ve been and who we are, but I think they also are really hungry to get back on top and to show everyone that we can do what we think we can do,” Horst said.
Lost fair and square
Last season, the Bucks were the odds-on favorite to win it all. With a loaded lineup led by Giannis, Milwaukee faced off against the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in the first round. However, disaster struck in the series opener when Giannis suffered a back injury that sidelined him for two games. Jimmy Butler then got into the groove of his life, and the rest, as they say, was history.
“Credit to Miami. I mean, they had a hell of a run, and they beat us fair and square. The year before, we lost to the team that went to the NBA Finals in seven games,” Horst shared.
Despite the crushing defeat, Horst thinks they aren’t that far off from the promised land.
“So even though we haven’t gotten there, I don’t feel like we’re super far away, and so we believe in this core. We believe in Pat. We believe in Bobby. Obviously, we committed to Brook and Khris going forward, and Giannis and Jrue, that’s a really, really strong core group of guys.”
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