Giannis Antetokounmpo gives Bucks a reality check while discussing team's ceiling - "Gotta get out of the 1st round"

Giannis Antetokounmpo gave the Milwaukee Bucks a reality check about their ceiling this season. The Bucks haven't made it past the first round for two consecutive seasons, despite the addition of Damian Lillard last year and finishing with the best record the season before that.

When asked if he views the Bucks as a conference finals or finals contender, Antetokounmpo issued a blunt response, saying (h/t Bucks' beat reporter Eric Nehm):

"Conference Finals? Finals? We gotta get out of the first round first. Let's start there."

Ironically, Antetokounmpo's health issues played key roles in the Bucks' postseason struggles. He wasn't entirely healthy in the three games he played against the Heat in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. He got injured in Game 1 and missed Games 2 and 3 before returning for Games 4 and 5, which the Bucks lost.

He didn't suit up at all in the 2024 playoffs first-round series loss to the Indiana Pacers after dealing with an Achilles injury. Milwaukee last made the conference finals and finals in its 2020-21 championship-winning season. It was also the last time the Bucks were 100% healthy.

While Giannis was available in 2022, the team's then-second option, Khris Middleton, missed time with a knee issue that saw the Bucks crash out of the conference semis against the Boston Celtics in seven games.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks seemingly enter 2024-25 season with low expectations

The noise around the Milwaukee Bucks during the same time last year was much different than it is now. The Bucks' consecutive first-round losses have reduced their expectations despite Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard spearheading their charge.

Meanwhile, the Knicks and Celtics have separated themselves in the Eastern Conference, with the 76ers right behind them after adding Paul George this summer. The Bucks have made slight tweaks to improve their roster balance as they prepare for their first full season under coach Doc Rivers, who took over from Adrian Griffin midway through last year.

The reduced expectations could work well in the Bucks' favor. They looked solid last year once Rivers' plans were implemented in full swing after a rocky transition until Antetokounmpo's Achilles injury slowed Milwaukee down again.

Lillard also gets a fresh start after a tumultuous offseason last year marred with off-court controversy surrounding his divorce and the Trail Blazers' handling of his trade prospects. Lillard initially wanted a move to Miami but settled for Milwaukee because of Portland's reluctance.