Greek Freak Analyzed

Tag: overview

  • Bill simons evaluating the bucks season

    Bill simons evaluating the bucks season

    Here is a summary of the discussion:

    Bucks’ Outlook and Win Prediction

    • Vegas Odds and Win Total: The hosts found the Milwaukee Bucks’ over/under win total of 42.5 surprising, especially considering Giannis Antetokounmpo is still the best player in the conference [00:00]. The Bucks’ odds to win the conference were set at 20-to-1, the eighth-best in the East [00:07].
    • Confidence in the Over: The hosts were in strong agreement that the 42.5 win line is too low, projecting the Bucks to be at least a 46-win team [00:55]. They ultimately settled on a “triple lock” for the over [03:11].

    Team Changes and Strengths

    • Key Personnel Shifts: The team, which won 48 games last year, made several moves, which the hosts summarize as essentially trading Brook Lopez for Miles Turner and Damian Lillard for Cole Anthony [00:13]. They also note the addition of Thanasses and Alex A. [01:06].
    • Shooting Prowess: Despite the roster changes, the Bucks were highlighted as a “sneaky great shooting team,” having the number one three-point shooting percentage (38.5%) in the league last year. Several role players were shooting over 40% from deep [00:21].
    • Miles Turner Upgrade: Turner is viewed as a significant improvement over Brook Lopez, making the team’s core identity “absolutely seamless” [01:54].
    • Motivation and Edge: The team is seen as highly motivated, with coach Doc Rivers not wanting to rebuild, Giannis trying to win, and several rotation players like Turner, Kevin Porter Jr., and Cole Anthony playing with a “chip on their shoulder” [04:17].

    Areas of Concern and Trade Speculation

    • Playmaking Concern: A point of disagreement was the absence of another dedicated ball-handler besides Giannis, a role Damian Lillard provided [02:06].
    • Giannis’s Future: The possibility of a trade was acknowledged, though the hosts agreed that it would be “much more likely to be an offseason thing than an inseason thing” [03:01].
    • Hypothetical In-Season Trade: In a purely speculative exercise, if Giannis were to be traded mid-season, the most likely destination suggested was the San Antonio Spurs to pair him with Victor Wembanyama [07:28]. Other teams mentioned were Houston and Oklahoma City [07:45].

    Video Details:

    Transcription (automatic)

    The Milwaukee Bucks over under 42 and a half they are 20 to1 to win the conference which is the eighth best odds in the East even though they have the best player in the conference in Giannis minus 215 for the playoffs they were 48 and 34 last year they turned Lopez into Miles Turner they turned Dame Lillard into Cole Anthony and they turned Conaughtan into Coffee and Harris and they’re deep and they’re a sneaky great shooting team

    zack great didn’t take a lot but they were the number one three-point shooting team by percentage 38.5 last year they had Prince Green Porter Trenton Rollins all over 40% turner was at 39.6 porter’s 37 dame was actually lower than all those numbers and uh and they have shooting and they have Giannis and this number is dumbfounding to me because I don’t think they’re trading Giannis this season and I just don’t see a world where this isn’t like a 46- win team well look I mean what did they win last year 48 yeah yeah and they added Thanasses and Alex antento brainer and Russell Westbrook talk about a freakoff we This is We got the All the freaks are in Milwaukee it’s a G-rated freakoff it’s the real freakoff right here in Milwaukee Town now uh I think this team actually makes more sense than last year’s team i think that like the version of this team now I got hammered i want to like right hand up i got smashed at the outset of the playoffs because this version of Milwaukee with all those shooters going up against Indiana i thought that that Freak was going to be able to assert his will and this and the shooters on Milwaukee would keep them in and the Pacers ran them the fuck off the floor and I lost a bunch of money but I still think that the core identity of this Milwaukee team like Turner coming in makes it makes it absolutely seamless he’s an improvement over Brook Lopez i mean a huge improvement i didn’t think Brooke was good last year he was fine i I think where I would disagree with you is that like who do who do I want dribbling the basketball other than Giannis and at least I had like another guy to do that with Dame last year in a pick and roll combination that made sense kevin Porter Jr is probably a little overt taxed in the role he’s going to get same same with Ryan Rollins but as long as you I mean like and Giannis typically plays about 65ish games so like the remaining 15 to 20 are going to be big for how much if if for how much they go over this number i am also an over giannis plus shooting just makes a lot of sense to me if he gets to 657 desperate Giannis well this is my back is to the wall career-wise and I’ve thought about this all summer and I’m tired of losing Yiannis kuzma can’t be worse um I think I think Jericho Sims is like a decent backup center i agree with and again but the wild card is like is there a world where this goes really south and Giannis is not on the team after the tread deadline i agree with you i think that’s much more likely to be an offseason thing than an inseason thing so I am taking without much thought actually this is an aggressive over for me yeah I have it as I’m locking it down so am I triple lock triple lock triple lock it’s on my locks it’s Tuesday October the 14th we’re taping this podcast doc River’s birthday triple lock on how about that triple on Doc Rivers’s birthday

    Doc Rivers doesn’t I mean he left Boston the moment they were even hinting on rebuilding like he doesn’t want to rebuild with anybody giannis if he’s going to be there is going to try to win every game possible miles Turner just signed this deal and is pissed at Indiana and he’s going to want to beat everybody too they also a lot of the guys in this rotation are still like chip on their shoulder nobody believes in me why don’t people think I’m good guys like Kevin Porter what the fuck has he ever done like he’s still playing like he’s proven himself trent over and over again gets discounted in free agency portoris like he’s born with that chip cole Anthony about like I was six man of the year candidate like hot minute given away i’m f I think Cole Anthony could play crunch time for them uh I like I like that Rollins i thought he was pretty good for them last year and Green is just like the one thing we’ve seen with shooters like that they get better every year that they’re in the league right they always go up and I thought he was good last year i think this team’s going to be good he’s a AJ Green’s a good player great chemistry with Giannis portoris is just rock steady offense off the bench we barely even mention him we take him for granted because he just does what he does i think that I’m stunned that this line is so low like I I I don’t think the trade is priced is that what’s happening that’s it i think people think he’s just going to ask for a deal i have them I think they’re either fourth or fifth in the East i I have them or Atlanta sure four or five i think they’re not a playing team i think they’re four that makes tons of sense i six for me for sure we’re all in agreement so I did write down if we did get to vote for I assume you’re going to get your vote back would be my guess i haven’t asked for it but if uh Oh you don’t you don’t want the vote anymore do you i mean there’s I’m torn but we’ll see how it You know if you don’t have the vote you can gamble that’s why nobody offered it to me but I’m uh if they added an LVP award for most damaging player who played at least 25 minutes on a playoff team don’t do this to Kyle kosma’s minus 250 i can’t even think who would be another like heavy prohibitive favorite he’s not that’s not him he’s not I know he became a punchline last year like he’s not a bad NBA player he’s going to bounce back this year you predicting the Koosma bounceback koozma bounceback will I hit the legacy button or not most 2020 champion Kzma legacy button the Koosma legacy well they need him because if he actually can be somewhat what he looked like three years ago before House’s Wizards contaminated him well he not contaminated he got bit by a spider he was his own you know it was a self-sabotage alongside what was happening with the team the problem with him what happened is that he checked the fuck out two years ago and you can’t flip a switch in in in this league and show up with a team that’s contending and get your head right for for contending so we’re going to see this off season with this group is his head in the right place i’m proud that we got through this whole segment without talking about Giannis’s future and where he’s going to go well we kind of did we talked around it you have a whole season to do that yeah if there was one team if we’re wrong and he gets traded during the season oh boy you could only pick one team that that trade would happen to what is the team do I have to go first i’ll go first go ahead san Antonio okay because I don’t think the Knicks I just don’t think it’s an appetizing trade for the Bucks i’m not trading Giannis for what the Knicks are offering houston good so you guys took one and two so what’s that trade shenon i don’t know it you just asked me to name a team stop there i’m not going any further shenon mine is Reed Shepard oklahoma City that’s insane okay just saying they have the picks and the players prey’s even more risk averse than Zack they have What’s What’s the risk of taking on Giannis they just won the championship we just We all pick We all picked them to lock in over 62 and a half wins what are they trading for Giannis for does Giannis hurt that Giannis diminishes their win potential if I feel comfortable predicting that he will not get traded it’s okay see that’s fine i’m reporting that right now this is a purely it’s a ridiculous exercise so I gave an answer i don’t think San Antonio is ridiculous it’s not it’s not i think that’s the team that makes a ton of sense and by the way Giannis and Wemb is it absolute like Zack putting the microphone down walking away doing like a couple laps and doing this a few times yeah you you that’s all fine but just acknowledge that that is an enormous fuck you to Milwaukee there’s nothing they’re getting back from San Antonio other than we’ll be good in 5 years guys we’ll be good again in five years fox can be in that trade i was going to say and we’ll be good again in five years castle could be in that trade we’ll be good again in the East in three years there’s a bunch of picks that could go in that trade that’s what I mean that’s what I’m saying kelly Ool could be in that trade i love Kelly Ool l Cornet on top l Cornet hanging up don’t mention L Cornette

  • Jon Horst’s Tenure as Milwaukee Bucks GM: where his fault ends and Giannis’ starts

    Jon Horst’s Tenure as Milwaukee Bucks GM: where his fault ends and Giannis’ starts

    Since taking the helm as General Manager of the Milwaukee Bucks in June 2017, Jon Horst has transformed the franchise into a perennial NBA contender, culminating in the 2021 NBA Championship. At just 34 years old when appointed, Horst was an unexpected choice, stepping into the role after John Hammond’s departure to Orlando. Despite his youth and relatively low profile, Horst’s strategic vision, bold decision-making, and ability to build around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo have solidified his reputation as one of the NBA’s elite executives. This blog post dives into the key aspects of Horst’s tenure, highlighting his successes, challenges, and overall impact on the Bucks.

    Early Years: Building a Foundation

    Horst inherited a promising but unpolished roster featuring a young Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and a mix of role players. His early tenure was marked by significant moves to reshape the team and establish a championship-caliber culture.

    Key Early Moves

    • Eric Bledsoe Trade (November 2017): Just months into his role, Horst executed a pivotal trade, sending center Greg Monroe and two draft picks to the Phoenix Suns for point guard Eric Bledsoe. Bledsoe brought defensive tenacity and offensive dynamism, addressing a need for a reliable guard. While Bledsoe’s playoff performances were inconsistent, his regular-season contributions helped elevate the Bucks’ competitiveness.
    • Hiring Mike Budenholzer (May 2018): After firing Jason Kidd midseason, Horst made a franchise-altering decision by hiring Mike Budenholzer, a coach known for maximizing roster talent. Budenholzer’s system unlocked Antetokounmpo’s potential and transformed the Bucks into a defensive and offensive juggernaut.
    • Drafting Donte DiVincenzo (2018): With the 17th pick, Horst selected DiVincenzo, who became a versatile contributor with his shooting and defensive instincts. Though injuries slowed his rookie year, DiVincenzo’s growth into a key rotation player showcased Horst’s eye for talent.
    • Signing Brook Lopez (2018): Horst’s signing of Lopez to a one-year, $3.4 million deal proved to be a masterstroke. Lopez evolved into an elite three-and-D center, anchoring the Bucks’ defense and stretching the floor for Antetokounmpo. This bargain contract remains one of Horst’s shrewdest moves.

    These decisions laid the groundwork for the 2018-19 season, where the Bucks achieved a league-best 60-22 record and reached the Eastern Conference Finals. Horst’s efforts earned him the 2019 NBA Executive of the Year award, a testament to his rapid impact.

    The Championship Era: 2020-2021

    The 2019-20 season ended in disappointment with a second-round playoff exit, prompting Horst to make aggressive moves to bolster the roster around Antetokounmpo, whose contract extension loomed large.

    Major Offseason Moves

    • Jrue Holiday Trade (November 2020): Horst swung a blockbuster deal, acquiring All-Star guard Jrue Holiday from New Orleans. The trade cost significant assets, including multiple first-round picks, but Holiday’s two-way play, leadership, and clutch performance were pivotal in the Bucks’ championship run.
    • Signing Giannis to a Supermax Extension (December 2020): Convincing Antetokounmpo to sign a five-year, $228 million extension was Horst’s most critical achievement. The move secured the Bucks’ cornerstone and signaled the franchise’s commitment to winning. Antetokounmpo cited his trust in Horst as a key factor in his decision.
    • Bryn Forbes and Bobby Portis Signings: Horst added sharpshooter Bryn Forbes and forward Bobby Portis on bargain contracts. Forbes provided critical shooting, notably in the playoffs, while Portis became a fan favorite and reliable bench scorer. Both players outperformed their modest deals, showcasing Horst’s ability to find value.
    • P.J. Tucker Trade (March 2021): Horst acquired veteran forward P.J. Tucker, whose defensive versatility and toughness were instrumental in the playoffs, particularly against Kevin Durant in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    These moves culminated in the 2021 NBA Championship, the Bucks’ first in 50 years. Horst’s ability to complement Antetokounmpo and Middleton with a balanced supporting cast—featuring Holiday, Lopez, Portis, and others—earned widespread praise. Everyone lauded Horst as the “architect of a championship roster,” with fans crediting his vision for building around Giannis who after all has many, many weaknesses as a player. It was no mean feat. He even managed to keep Giannis off the team at critical moments so Khris could get him to the final. Then , with everything more or less decided in the series, Giannis had a couple of good games thus making the myth about his playoff ability. (Of which as we all now see he actually has none.) Horst is a magician!

    Post-Championship Challenges: 2022-2024

    While the 2021 title was a high point, Horst faced challenges in maintaining the Bucks’ dominance, particularly with aging role players and limited draft capital.

    Mixed Results

    • Playoff Disappointments (2022-2023): The Bucks suffered a second-round exit in 2022 against Boston and a shocking first-round loss to Miami in 2023 as the No. 1 seed. Critics questioned Horst’s roster construction, pointing to a lack of depth and inconsistent performers like Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen. Some fans called for Horst’s job, arguing he failed to build a sustainable supporting cast. The truth? It was amazing he got them as far as he did with Giannis clearly past his prime, playing less and less defence and focused on stat padding to the detriment of the team.
    • Draft Struggles: Horst’s draft record has been a weak point. Picks like D.J. Wilson (2017) and others failed to yield significant contributors, and the Bucks’ limited draft capital due to trades has hindered long-term roster building. It is to be expected since his diva Giannis, after making such a fuss about NOT wanting to play on a superteam, then demanded they get someone like Dame.
    • Firing Mike Budenholzer (May 2023): After the 2023 playoff upset, Horst made the bold decision to part ways with Budenholzer, hiring Adrian Griffin as his replacement. The move was divisive, and Griffin’s tenure was short-lived, leading to further scrutiny of Horst’s coaching decisions. Again, was the Horst or was this Giannis? We have all seen how Giannis acts on court, grabbing the chart and pretending he knows best, always blaming everybody else, humble for show only.

    Resurgence with Damian Lillard (2023-2024)

    Horst rebounded with a franchise-altering trade in September 2023, acquiring superstar guard Damian Lillard from Portland. The trade, which sent Jrue Holiday to Boston, was a high-risk, high-reward move to pair Lillard with Antetokounmpo and Middleton. Despite another first-round exit in 2024, exacerbated by injuries to key players, the acquisition signaled Horst’s willingness to take big swings to maximize the Bucks’ championship window and to appease Giannis’ constant moaning and groaning about getting no help. Meanwhile the way Giannis acts he is killing the resale value of any player on the Bucks by making them all look like they are useless.

    In the 2024 offseason, Horst navigated the NBA’s restrictive second apron rules, signing veterans Delon Wright and Taurean Prince to bolster depth. Fans on X praised these moves, with one user giving Horst an “A+” for his creativity under financial constraints.

    Strengths of Horst’s Tenure

    1. Star Retention and Recruitment: Horst’s ability to secure long-term extensions for Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Holiday, while adding stars like Lillard, has kept Milwaukee competitive. His relationship with Antetokounmpo has been a cornerstone of the franchise’s stability.
    2. Value Signings: Players like Lopez, Portis, and Forbes, signed on cost-effective deals, have consistently outperformed expectations, demonstrating Horst’s knack for finding undervalued talent.
    3. Bold Trades: From Bledsoe to Holiday to Lillard, Horst has shown a willingness to make aggressive trades to improve the roster, even at the cost of draft picks.
    4. Cultural Impact: Horst has fostered a winning culture, supported by state-of-the-art facilities like Fiserv Forum and a collaborative front office. His leadership has made Milwaukee an attractive destination for players and executives.
    5. Protecting Giannis. It has been clear all along that Giannis simply lacks basketball IQ. Both on the court and off the court he is terrible when it counts. Yet the Bucks’ marketing has managed to keep him as the darling of NBA media despite his clear inability to improve.

    Legacy and Future Outlook

    Jon Horst’s tenure as Bucks GM is defined by remarkable highs—most notably the 2021 championship and the 2019 Executive of the Year award—and navigable lows. His ability to build a contender around Antetokounmpo, secure key extensions, and execute blockbuster trades has cemented his status as a top-tier GM. While draft struggles and recent playoff disappointments have drawn criticism, Horst’s proactive approach, as seen in the Lillard trade and 2024 offseason moves, suggests he remains committed to chasing titles.

    As the Bucks enter the 2024-25 season, Horst faces pressure to deliver another deep playoff run with a core of Antetokounmpo, Lillard, and Middleton. Speculation about a potential move to Detroit, fuelled by his Michigan roots, adds intrigue, but Horst’s loyalty to Milwaukee—where his family calls home—seems steadfast.

    Why Giannis Bears Responsibility for the Bucks’ Recent Struggles, Not Jon Horst

    While some fans and analysts point fingers at General Manager Jon Horst for roster construction, a closer look suggests that two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo’s performance and decisions on the court are more significant contributors to the team’s recent failures.

    Giannis’ On-Court Shortcomings in Critical Moments

    Giannis Antetokounmpo is undeniably one of the NBA’s elite, with a resume boasting two MVP awards, a Finals MVP, and a 2021 championship. However, his postseason performances in recent years have exposed limitations that have hindered the Bucks. In the 2023 playoffs, Giannis struggled with free-throw shooting, a recurring issue that proved costly against the Miami Heat. His 44.7% free-throw percentage in that series allowed opponents to exploit the “Hack-a-Giannis” strategy, disrupting Milwaukee’s offensive rhythm.

    In 2024, injuries sidelined Giannis for key playoff games against the Pacers, but even when available, his inability to adapt to modern defensive schemes has been evident. Teams like Miami and Indiana have used wall-like defenses to clog the paint, daring Giannis to shoot from outside. Despite GM Jon Horst’s public confidence in Giannis developing a 3-point shot, his career 3-point attempts remain low (1.5 per game), and his 28.6% shooting from beyond the arc in the 2023-24 season shows little progress. This predictability allows opponents to neutralize his dominance, placing pressure on teammates to compensate.

    Moreover, Giannis’ high usage rate (34.9% in 2023-24) and tendency to dominate the ball can stifle the Bucks’ offense. Posts on X have criticized his reluctance to pass, with some fans noting that he “stopped passing the ball” due to a lack of trust in the roster. While this reflects frustration, it also highlights a failure to elevate teammates in crunch time, a hallmark of other superstars like LeBron James or Nikola Jokić.

    Injuries and Availability Issues

    Giannis’ injury history has also played a significant role in the Bucks’ recent postseason woes. He missed crucial games in both the 2023 and 2024 playoffs, including the entirety of the 2024 first-round series against the Pacers due to a calf strain. While injuries are unpredictable, Giannis’ physical playing style—relying on explosive drives and rim attacks—may contribute to his recurring ailments. His 2021 playoff run, despite a hyperextended knee, was triumphant, but subsequent injuries suggest a need for better load management or stylistic evolution to preserve his health. Here I broke down exactly why Giannis is 100% to blame for these injuries. After more than a decade in the NBA it really is not justifiable by any player to act so selfishly and plain dumb.

    Horst, on the other hand, has prioritized player wellness, emphasizing “awareness, sensitivity, concern, and education” in areas like nutrition and mental health. The Bucks’ state-of-the-art facilities and medical staff are designed to keep players like Giannis healthy, yet his absence in pivotal moments has left the team vulnerable, regardless of roster depth.

    Giannis’ Influence on Team Decisions

    As the Bucks’ cornerstone, Giannis wields significant influence over roster moves, and his preferences have occasionally backfired. In 2020, he pushed for the acquisition of Bogdan Bogdanović, a close friend, but the deal collapsed, leading to a public relations misstep and a lost draft pick. While Horst took the blame, Giannis’ involvement in the process underscores his role in shaping the roster. His supermax extension in 2020, while a commitment to Milwaukee, also locked the Bucks into a high-cost core, limiting Horst’s flexibility under the luxury tax.

    Contrast this with Horst’s proactive moves. The 2023 trade for Damian Lillard was a bold attempt to pair Giannis with another All-NBA talent, addressing the need for a second superstar after Jrue Holiday’s departure. Despite the trade’s mixed results, Horst’s willingness to take risks—without Giannis explicitly demanding the move—shows his commitment to maximizing the championship window. Horst also secured long-term extensions for core players like Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, ensuring continuity around Giannis despite the fact that the entire league has figure him out and his trade value is sinking fast. The entire team constantly puts their needs and their egos aside to pamper and appease Giannis.

    Horst’s Track Record of Success

    Jon Horst’s tenure as GM has been marked by calculated risks and tangible results. Since taking over in 2017, he has transformed the Bucks into a perennial contender. His hiring of coach Mike Budenholzer in 2018 led to a 60-win season and the 2019 Executive of the Year award. The 2021 championship roster, featuring Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez, and Khris Middleton, was largely Horst’s creation, with strategic additions like Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton proving vital.

    Even in the face of setbacks, Horst has shown adaptability. After the failed Bogdanović trade, he pivoted to acquire Grayson Allen, who became one of the league’s top 3-point shooters in 2021-22. In 2023, facing a top-heavy roster, Horst added Jae Crowder to bolster defence, though the move didn’t pan out. Critics argue that Horst’s draft record is weak and the roster lacks depth, but these issues stem partly from trading picks for win-now players like Holiday and Lillard, moves designed to appease Giannis’ championship aspirations.

    The Milwaukee Bucks’ recent failures are not the fault of Jon Horst, who has consistently made bold moves to build around Giannis Antetokounmpo. From securing a championship in 2021 to trading for Damian Lillard, Horst has shown a commitment to keeping Milwaukee competitive, even at the cost of draft picks and salary cap flexibility. Giannis, while a generational talent, bears responsibility for his postseason struggles—whether through persistent free-throw woes, limited outside shooting, or injury-related absences. His influence on team decisions and reluctance to adapt his game have compounded the Bucks’ challenges. As the Bucks move forward, Giannis must evolve to meet the demands of playoff basketball, rather than expecting Horst to perpetually retool a roster around his limitations.

    Jon Horst has been an exceptional GM for the Milwaukee Bucks, transforming a promising team into a championship powerhouse. His strategic foresight, bold decision-making, and ability to maximise limited resources have set a high standard. While challenges remain, Horst’s track record suggests he’s the right leader to guide the Bucks toward further success. Giannis? Not so sure. The Bucks are at a dead end, and it’s on Giannis, not Horst.