NBA 2018-19: Eastern Conference playoff picture prediction

4th seed: Milwaukee Bucks

Could Giannis win MVP next season?

The Greek Freak is going to be an MVP candidate next year. He has found a way to elevate his game every season, his numbers and his play have reflected this and there is no reason why it will change this year.

However in years past, the god-like numbers that Antetokounmpo is able to put up haven't translated to team success, which is where the additions of Ersan Illyasova and new coach: Mike Budenholzer Illyasova will help Giannis a lot, as he will be able to knock down the 3 point shot whenever Giannis wants to dish the ball outside the arc.

The loss of Jabari will hurt a bit, but the Bucks have talent with Giannis, Malcolm Brogdon, Eric Bledsoe, and Kris Middleton.

I honestly think that if Middleton can take his level of play up a notch next year, he should be able to make the All-Star team. The real difference maker for the Bucks will be Mike Budenholzer.

Mike is a member of the Popovich coaching tree and has proven to be a great coach in the league after leading that Atlanta Hawks team to the conference finals as well as being a coach of the year recipient.

He's a proven coach and will look to elevate what Jason Kidd was able to create. The Bucks will need their pieces to work well together, and Giannis will need to play like the MVP player we all know he can be to push the Bucks to either a higher seed and/or deep in the playoffs.

Expectations will be high for Budenholzer, but judging by his resume, he should be able to deliver.