22
Oct
5 min read
Milwaukee Bucks NBA Profile: Five things you need to know
From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Perennial Eastern Conference powerhouse
- Home to back-to-back MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo
- 2021 NBA champions after 50-year title drought
The Milwaukee Bucks are one of the NBA's most successful franchises of the past decade, led by superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. They captured their second NBA title in 2021, ending a 50-year championship drought.
Key Details
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Year Founded: 1968
Home Arena: Fiserv Forum
Championships: 2 (1971, 2021)
Major Rivals: Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat
Australians who have played for the Milwaukee Bucks
Andrew Bogut: Selected as the first overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, Bogut played for the Bucks from 2005 to 2012. He was known for his defensive prowess and rebounding skills.
Matthew Dellavedova: After winning an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, Dellavedova joined the Bucks and played from 2016 to 2018. He returned to Milwaukee for the 2018–2019 season, providing veteran leadership and defensive tenacity.
Joe Ingles: In July 2022, Ingles signed a one-year contract with the Bucks. He made his debut on December 19, 2022, after recovering from an ACL injury, and played through the 2022–2023 season.
Identity
The Bucks have built their identity around Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the most dominant and unique players in NBA history. Their philosophy centres on surrounding Antetokounmpo with shooters and defenders to maximise his strengths. Under head coach Mike Budenholzer from 2018-2023, the Bucks played an up-tempo style focused on spacing the floor, defending at a high level, and unleashing Antetokounmpo in transition.
The Bucks have cultivated a winning culture built on player development, smart drafting, and strategic trades and signings. They've become one of the model small-market franchises in the NBA.
Legacy & Impact
The Bucks' greatest eras have been the early 1970s led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson, and the current era led by Antetokounmpo. The 1971 championship team featuring Abdul-Jabbar and Robertson is considered one of the greatest in NBA history.
Key figures in franchise history include Abdul-Jabbar, Robertson, Sidney Moncrief, Marques Johnson, Dale Ellis, Ray Allen, and of course, Antetokounmpo. The Greek superstar has redefined the franchise, winning two MVPs and leading them to their first title in 50 years in 2021.
Five Fast Facts:
- The Bucks selected Giannis Antetokounmpo 15th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft
- They won 66 games in 1970-71, still a franchise record
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won three MVP awards with the Bucks from 1971-1974
- The Bucks made the playoffs 12 straight seasons from 1980-1991
- Giannis Antetokounmpo is the franchise's all-time leader in points, blocks, and triple-doubles
Club Timeline
1968: Franchise founded as an expansion team
1971: Win first NBA championship led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson
1974: Lose NBA Finals to Boston Celtics
1979: Draft Sidney Moncrief, ushering in era of 1980s success
2013: Draft Giannis Antetokounmpo 15th overall
2019: Win 60 games for first time since 1980-81 season
2021: Win second NBA championship, defeating Phoenix Suns
Key Statistics
All-Time Record: 2,327-2,048 (.532 winning percentage)
Championship History: 2 titles (1971, 2021)
Hall of Fame Players: 8 (including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson)
Retired Numbers: 9 (including #33 for Abdul-Jabbar, #1 for Oscar Robertson)
Notable Records: Most wins in a season (66 in 1970-71)
Today
The Bucks remain one of the NBA's elite teams, coming off a 58-win season in 2022-23 that saw them finish with the league's best record. However, they suffered a shocking first-round playoff upset to the Miami Heat.
Looking to take the next step, the Bucks made a blockbuster trade for All-Star point guard Damian Lillard in September 2023, pairing him with Antetokounmpo to form one of the league's most potent duos. They also changed coaches, hiring Adrian Griffin to replace Mike Budenholzer.
With Antetokounmpo in his prime and now paired with Lillard, the Bucks are positioned to contend for championships for the foreseeable future as they aim to maximise their championship window.
