Eric Bledsoe has been trade into the Eastern Conference, and the dark-horse Milwaukee Bucks are immediately stronger. What impact does that have on the Raptors?
The Toronto Raptors have a recent history of being stumped by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. Besides the Cavs, it’s believed the Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics are the only other roadblocks towards the Raptors goals. With Eric Bledsoe’s move to the East, the Milwaukee Bucks are looking like another threat to add to the list.
The Bucks want Revenge on Raptors
Last year the Bucks faced off against the Raptors in the first round of the playoffs. There were a lot of things to take away from that series. Giannis Antetokounmpo was a one-man wrecking crew averaging 24.8 PPG, 9.5 REBS, 4 ASTS, 2.2 STLS, 1.7 BLKS on 53% FG and 40% 3PT.
The Raps struggled to contain the Greek Freak from having his way on the court. Notably, the Bucks were missing one of their key players, Jabari Parker. Milwaukee would also be playing Khris Middleton who played in just 26 games in the season prior due to his injury.
Somehow while the North clearly had an advantage with health and depth, they only managed to defeat the Bucks in 6 games. Now the Milwaukee Bucks have traded Greg Monroe for Eric Bledsoe. If the Raps weren’t worried before, they should be now.
Could the Bucks push Raptors to extinction?
Milwaukee has taken one step closer to contending with the Bledsoe trade. The Raptors should look to avoid the Bucks in the playoffs if Giannis alone was too hard to handle. With a healthy Bledsoe, Parker, and Antetokounmpo all in the line-up, the Bucks look deadly.
Lowry lucked out having to guard Malcolm Brogdon in his first playoff series, but Bledsoe causes a change of luck. Bledsoe and Parker can give the Bucks the scoring edge they need to beat out the Raptors. Giannis already is looking like an early pick for MVP, and having two players to relieve the scoring load off him will benefit their efficiency.
Lowry looks to be struggling already 10 games into the season, and who knows if he can overcome his playoff woes to compete with Bledsoe. That isn’t the only reason for concern, Bledsoe averages 27 PPG in the last two years against the Raptors. Bucks Brogdon looks to be improving after winning the Rookie of the Year award.
Can the Raptors take on the Bucks if they all remain healthy? It’s something worthy of the question considering Giannis and a rusty Middleton were able to push their series to six games. With Bledsoe and Parker thrown into the mix, Toronto could be in trouble. The Raptors should hope to avoid a revenge series against the retooled Bucks.
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