Nuggets, Bucks suffering from 'Small Market Syndrome'

Since 2020, the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks have both won a championship. For Denver, it was the first banner in franchise history. Milwaukee had only raised one other, in 1971

However, despite both teams possessing a top-three player in the NBA, Denver and Milwaukee have yet to push forward after their respective success. Instead, both teams appear to be trending backward. The Nuggets have lost elite role players to free agency in the past two offseasons. Last summer, it was Bruce Brown, and this year, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signed with the Orlando Magic. 

On the other hand, Milwaukee chose to invest all its resources in a Damian Lillard trade. The deal cost Jrue Holiday, one of the best defensive players in the league who instantly helped bring the Boston Celtics a championship. Milwaukee still needs to address its aging roster, with Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton showing signs of decline. 

What do Denver and Milwaukee have in common? They are both small market teams. They rarely experience success at the highest level. Where a bigger market franchise would have become super aggressive in tying down its core rotation and addressing potential weaknesses, the Nuggets and Bucks have taken an apathetic approach. They believe their star player can help them overcome any possible setbacks. 

Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are both loyal. They were drafted into their situations and helped bring championships to their respective teams. However, loyalty can be tested. NBA careers are short. They could become disillusioned in their current situation if they can't see a path back to legitimate contention. 

Part of being a small market franchise is the reluctant acceptance that your star player will eventually be drawn toward the bright lights. Denver and Milwaukee appeared to shun that trend by building exceptionally talented rosters around their homegrown superstars. But they've failed to sustain that success.

Denver and Milwaukee can still bounce back from their malaise. They are still some of the more talented teams in the NBA. However, in order to get back into the mix for a championship, they need to shed their small market mentality and start operating like the sharks that they are.