Chicago Bulls: Why they can win the division next season
Reason #2: Hope for a slow start for the Bucks
It was the feel-good story of the NBA last season when Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship in 50 years. Antetokounmpo said he won “The hard way”, but here’s hoping the team basks in that win a bit too long.
It’s a common trope in sports, often a team that wins a historic title or breaks a long championship drought seems to celebrate deep into the offseason. Sometimes, they don’t come into the next season as focused, still reminiscing on all the success of last year.
While it’s impossible to predict if this same fate will afflict the Bucks next season, I’d say there’s a stronger chance of it than normal. Antetokounmpo said after the title win “We might never win another one, it’s fine”, but later walked that back.
Bucks look to have one healthy guard on their roster at present.
— Anchorage Man (@SethPartnow) August 3, 2021
Here’s hoping he won’t be as hungry next year. I know it’s not likely but it’s one way to give the Bulls a shot at doing the unthinkable and winning the division in 2021-22.
Adding to the likelihood of a hangover for the Bucks is the fact that the other two stars of their championship squad, guards Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, are playing for the US Men’s Olympic team in Tokyo.
It’d be great to see the US bring home the gold, but those guys will be worn out after playing a condensed season through the playoffs and then immediately getting on a plane to Japan. Stranger things have happened, but the Bulls may top the division if they have luck on their side.