NBA 2016-17 forecast: Central Division

By Brian Boake | Oct 24, 2016

May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets ready to talk to the media at the end of game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

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MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Last season: 33 – 49

This season: 41 – 41

This team was viewed as a dark horse before last season, but the horse ran out of the money instead. I’m confident they can put that disappointment behind them and improve by eight games.

There’s talent in Wisconsin. Giannis Alphabet combines size and co-ordination like few people on the planet. Jabari Parker just needs more time.

Mar 15, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) in the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

But there are problems too. I wasn’t the least surprised that Greg Monroe didn’t move the needle for them, and I’d wager he won’t be a Buck after the trade deadline. John Henson is about out of chances. Michael Beasley has been brought in to patch the hole created by a serious injury to Khris Middleton. Whether Beasley can actually do so won’t be known for some time. Middleton’s loss is a big setback.

The Bucks have some bangers, in Matthew Dellavedova and Miles Plumlee, which is useful in small doses. For the Bucks to make the playoffs, however, someone will need to break out.

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