East Notes: Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Hornets, assets, Wizards

Bucks

For years, rival teams have been circling Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo like sharks, waiting for an opening. ESPN writes in its latest future power rankings that such an opening may have arrived.

The Bucks just flamed out in the first round for the third straight year, and this time Damian Lillard’s Achilles tear made the loss sting even more. Milwaukee’s counterpunch? A creative pivot that involved stretching Lillard’s contract and bringing in Myles Turner.

The problem, as ESPN stresses, is that the Bucks don’t have many levers left to pull. No draft picks until 2031. Limited roster flexibility. Probably a lack of other stuff.

So, yeah. If the slide continues, Giannis’ historic run in Milwaukee could be running on borrowed time.

Hornets

Don’t mistake a bottom-10 ranking for standing still. ESPN points out that Charlotte is stacking up draft picks (24 in the next seven years, including 11 firsts) and leaning into youth development.

The Hornets already have five players on rookie contracts — Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Tidjane Salaun, Nick Smith Jr. and Liam McNeeley — and they’re set up to have cap space in each of the next two summers. ESPN has them in the top 10 in both draft capital and money.

Translation? The Hornets are playing the long game, and the pieces are there if a star trade becomes available.

Wizards

If this whole thing were just about draft assets and cap flexibility, Washington would be hanging near the top.

ESPN notes the Wizards could have up to $80 million in cap space next summer and control 23 future draft picks — 10 firsts, 13 seconds — over the next seven years.

That’s quite the war chest. The catch? They’re drowning in unproven talent, with 10 players on first-round rookie deals, from Bilal Coulibaly to Alex Sarr.

It’s hard to know if a lot of these young players on the Wizards’ roster are future stars or just decent role players. 

ESPN makes it clear that until those players show more than flashes, Washington will stay near the bottom of these rankings. Development is the name of the game.