Where do the Toronto Raptors rank in the Eastern Conference?
![Toronto Raptors - Marc Gasol (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) Toronto Raptors - Marc Gasol (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7865d04a12f233be4da86d697240510bce381c2877533aa1966ca3ffd9253572.jpg)
2. Milwaukee Bucks
The big change for the Bucks was the aforementioned loss of Malcolm Brogdon to the Indiana Pacers, a huge potentially huge blow for last years Eastern Conference Runners-up.
As long as Giannis Antetokounmpo — the reigning MVP — remains on the roster, the Bucks have the chance to go back to the Eastern Conference Finals once again, only looking to go one step further this time.
The roster remains much the same, but for the loss of Brogdon. Khris Middleton was re-signed to a 5-year $178million contract, locking him into a future with the Bucks. Potentially one without Giannis.
Milwaukee didn’t need to tinker with their roster too much, adding Robin Lopez to the team while bringing back his brother, Brook. The Bucks needed center help last season, once they signed Pau Gasol, he suffered a season-ending injury, so Robin Lopez provides insurance in that department.
The Bucks identity is built around Giannis and putting shooters around him, allowing him to attack the rim in space. When he gets going, disaster spells for opposing teams. Losing Brogdon, their best shooter last season hurts but replacing him with Wesley Matthews at least plugs a gap for now.
The roster Milwaukee have in place is good enough to make it to the NBA Finals, especially with Antetokounmpo leading the team. The money is in place and the Bucks look invested in the duo of Giannis and Middleton moving forward.
Now is the time for the Bucks, but one team looks to stand in their way in the East.