Gilbert Arenas sees the Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks shocking the East

“You have Knicks and Cleveland going to be the top dogs right now. I’m not sold on Orlando…but the Bucks, with the lineup, with the roster, that they have with veterans, young guys, 1v1 players, flat-out shooters, Sixth Man…they have a full team of guys that can put the ball in the basket and defend.” Arenas said in his podcast Gil’s Arena.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re in the Eastern Conference (Finals). I mean, the way the landscape is…Miami, they’re not there like that. Boston? They’re not there like that. The team that ran them out of the building, Indiana? They’re not healthy…on paper, they (Bucks) should be Top Three,” the former NBA guard continued.

Are the Bucks actually better this season?

Many fans think Milwaukee’s fate rests entirely on Giannis. If the two-time MVP puts up triple-doubles and leads in scoring night after night, the Bucks usually win. But Gilbert Arenas sees it differently.

He believes Milwaukee has quietly assembled one of the most complete rosters in the Eastern Conference. The lack of individual awards among their supporting cast, he argues, is the main reason their depth and balance haven’t received the attention they deserve.

From versatile guards like Cole Anthony and Kevin Porter Jr., who can generate offense and take on tough defensive assignments, to a seasoned big man like Myles Turner, who controls the paint with ease, Milwaukee’s roster offers balance on both ends.

Add in dependable 3-and-D options such as Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr., and Gary Harris, and it’s clear why Arenas sees plenty of reasons for optimism.

If the Bucks can stay healthy, strengthen their chemistry, and give Giannis enough support to perform freely without exhausting himself, they could be showing a new way to succeed in today’s NBA by emphasizing dependable role players instead of stacking superstar names.