Milwaukee Bucks: Biggest Questions For 2022-23

The Milwaukee Bucks are still one of the title contenders in the Eastern Conference. But they had to try to defend their championship last season without the services of their No. 2 option in the playoffs. While Khris Middleton was spectacular in the 2021 playoffs, averaging 23.6 points in helping Giannis Antetokounmpo lead the Bucks to the title, he missed the end of last season with a wrist injury. 

And that's where we begin our biggest questions for the Bucks for 2022-23.

Big Question #1: Can the Bucks stay healthy for the playoff run?

While Middleton appears to be fully healthy heading into camp, we can't say the same for their big offseason acquisition, Joe Ingles. The 35-year-old former Utah Jazz forward/guard might not be back from a torn ACL until after the All-Star break. 

Brook Lopez also missed all but 13 games last season with a back injury, and Pat Connaughton and George Hill also missed chunks of time. 

The regular season isn't what's important for Milwaukee. But the Bucks need all hands on deck come playoff time to have a chance to get the Larry O'B trophy back in their grips.

Big Question #2: Who starts at the 'two'?

The starter at shooting guard is very much up in the air at this point, though they do have a number of options. 

Pat Connaughton might have a slight edge because of his defense and sound performance in the playoffs. Grayson Allen is an elite shooter, but doesn't bring shot-creation or the same kind of defense. Then there's Wesley Matthews, who the Bucks re-signed for one year, $2.9M. The 13-year vet brings the D, and can get hot from three, though he's struggled in that regard in the past two seasons. 

But no matter who starts the season, at whatever positions, for this team it's all about what happens come April, May and June. 

Photos:  Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports, David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports