The Milwaukee Bucks kicked off the 2024-25 NBA season with their media day at Fiserv Forum, offering a glimpse into the team’s mindset and plans for the upcoming season. From health updates to team chemistry, here are five key takeaways from Bucks media day.
5 Key Takeaways from the Milwaukee Bucks Media Day 2024
1. Doc Rivers Is Prioritizing Chemistry Early On
Head coach Doc Rivers clarified that one of his primary goals this season is establishing strong team chemistry. In a move designed to jump-start this process, Rivers relocated the Bucks’ opening training camp week to Irvine, California, to create a bonding experience for the team.
“I think it’s important that they’ll be riding in the car together to and from practice, going to dinners, spending time. I wish it was longer, honestly.”
In addition to team cohesion, Rivers emphasized the importance of balance in roster construction, particularly highlighting the team’s focus on adding players with catch-and-shoot ability, positional size, and defensive physicality. With new additions like Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright, fostering team cohesion early and maintaining a competitive edge defensively could be crucial to the Bucks’ success as they begin their season on the road.
2. Damian Lillard Feels Ready for a Fresh Start
After a whirlwind season last year, Damian Lillard feels much more settled heading into the new campaign. Lillard described the previous season as a “blur,” noting how challenging it was to adjust after being traded to Milwaukee just before training camp.
“I was just trying to get through the year,” Lillard admitted.
This season, however, he’s feeling much more prepared. Lillard credits a disciplined offseason for his improved mental and physical state. After their playoff exit, Lillard put together a comprehensive training plan, which included physical therapy, a nutritionist, and working with Navy SEAL David Goggins to push his limits. “I can say I’m in great shape,” Lillard shared, feeling confident that this year will show the “real version” of himself.
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In addition, Lillard emphasized the importance of his growing connection with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and the coaching staff, noting that they are now more familiar with each other and have built stronger bonds through shared adversity, which he believes will benefit the team moving forward.
3. Khris Middleton’s Health Is Trending in the Right Direction
A major focus of the day was the health status of Khris Middleton, who underwent off-season surgeries on both ankles. Middleton addressed the media with optimism, stating,
“I feel great. I’m ready for training camp and ready for the season.”
While Middleton won’t immediately participate in five-on-five action during camp, Rivers and General Manager Jon Horst expressed confidence in his recovery. Middleton acknowledged that while missing early five-on-five reps with teammates like Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo is frustrating, he is focused on staying involved in other aspects of camp.
“I’ll be out there going through reads, talking, and figuring out spacing,” Middleton explained.
4. Giannis’ Focus: Health and Playoffs
Fresh off his summer wedding and an impressive performance with the Greek national team at the Olympics, Giannis Antetokounmpo brought his usual mix of humor and focus to media day. Still, his message was clear: the priority is staying healthy for a long playoff run.
Reflecting on his injury during last year’s playoffs, Giannis acknowledged the importance of maintaining his physical condition:
“At the end of the day, I realized it’s very important to stay healthy because it gives you a chance to be good, to help your team, and to win something. When you’re not available, the chances go down to zero.”
Despite the serious focus on health, Giannis also shared some light-hearted moments, including a humorous response to a question about which Greek god he would be, choosing Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love, saying, “Of course, beauty. Love. So, I’ll be Aphrodite.”
5. Championship Aspirations, Underdog Mentality
Despite the headline-grabbing acquisition of Damian Lillard last season, the Bucks still find themselves somewhat overlooked in national discussions, with media coverage often favoring teams in the Eastern Conference.
Rivers said, addressing the lack of attention on Milwaukee:
“We all pay attention to it. We see it. We read it. You notice you’re not playing on Christmas.”
But this seems to play right into the Bucks’ hands. Lillard, Giannis, Middleton, and the rest of the team are embracing the underdog mentality, quietly confident in their ability to make a deep playoff run.
The Last Word on Bucks Media Day 2024
As the Bucks head into training camp and prepare for a season with championship aspirations, the key takeaways from media day are clear: health, chemistry, and depth will be essential. With Lillard feeling more comfortable and in top shape, Giannis prioritizing his health, and Middleton progressing in his recovery, Milwaukee is ready to make another deep playoff run.
While they may be flying under the radar nationally, the Bucks wouldn’t have it any other way.
