10 games into the 2024-2025 regular season and we’re already asking the important questions. Namely, who has less interest in the fate of the Milwaukee Bucks right now? Me, Riley Feldmann, or members of the Milwaukee Bucks themselves?

I ask only partially in jest. The truth is, while I was already over these Milwaukee Bucks before the season even began, even I am shocked at how quickly my rooting interest has faded. What is more disturbing than that is the sense that the same rot may be affecting the players themselves.

Of course, I’ve no tangible evidence to point to in backing up my conjecture. I mean, Giannis is telling people they can take a hike if they don’t want to stick around to work through this, but surely that’s a normal reaction to the given situation and not a sign for deeper worry. Outside of that quip, though, the signs of indifference on the part of the players can range from the obvious (guys not closing out hard, “help defense” to make it seem like you’re doing something when you were just ball-watching, literally rebounding) to the quiet (Bobby Portis seems hellbent on playing his way for contract purposes, Pat has never been an outwardly fiery guy and is now a relative husk, the FAs are mercenaries who haven’t been given a reason by their teammates to care about the larger project, Damian Lillard is as lead-by-example as it gets, etc.). As the losses continue to pile up, who else can emerge as a firefighter not named Giannis? If the same guy keeps harping on the same themes, others will inevitably tune him out even if he is THE superstar.

Not all need be lost just yet. The upcoming schedule does get easier. Khris Middleton may return to the court one day. They’ve gotten painfully close to victories a number of times only to run out of gas/shoot themselves in the foot. But until they start turning the ship around, know that on game nights I’m out there somewhere staring at the pretty colors on the flashing screen with a blank stare and disbelief that I get to root for a professional basketball team with a .200 winning percentage.

Let’s roundup!

Milwaukee Bucks Links

Giannis Antetokounmpo calls out Bucks after blowout loss to Knicks: ‘We didn’t compete at all’ (CBS Sports)

The other underlying concern that I did not highlight in my opening statement: even if Khris Middleton ever plays basketball again, my confidence in the defense is completely shot. They’ve managed decent stretches of play without ever showing me that they’ve a clue how to make it work for most of a 48 minute game. Andre Jackson Jr.’s continuing presence helps a bit, but he is but one man and we’ll have to see if he can sustain his time on the court (i.e. continue to avoid foul trouble).

MVP Ladder: Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum get jump on elite field (NBA.com)

Posting if only because I’m stunned he somehow made it to ninth place in this exercise. Giannis has looked relatively strong as ever, although the mental mistakes and poor decisions on offense feel all the more glaring because Milwaukee’s margins are razor thin most nights. Defensively, well… you know, at least he’s on that end of the floor in theory.

Bucks Pro Shop to launch merch collaboration with Roots of Fight (WTMJ)

Be still my beating heart. That looks like the 1968 jersey design’s “Bucks” in green and red AND CURSIVE??? I rarely give teams revenue via merchandise purchases, but in this case I’m willing to make an exception. I’ve been begging for this exact thing on Deer Diaries (A Milwaukee Bucks Podcast!) for years!

It’s Not Just Ant. Almost All the NBA’s Young Stars Are Bombing Away From 3. (The Ringer)

To wit: AJ Green has a perfect 1.000 3PAr on the season (meaning he has not taken a single non-three shot attempt) and a .897 TS% to boot. Some are trendsetters and others are followers. I know which group I’d put Milwaukee’s “young “star”” in.

Know Your NBA Enemy

Toronto Raptors – Raptors HQ – It’s time to start the Gradey Dick Most Improved Campaign

This is an award that tends to go to sophomores who show marked growth from whatever baseline they set in their rookie season, so making the case for Dick falls within a time-honored tradition. However, like with all awards, let’s give it more than a few weeks before ordering up the campaign materials. Unless, of course, ninth-place is the best Giannis will get in terms of MVP voting this year in which case: STOP THE COUNT!

Detroit Pistons – Detroit Bad Boys – Film Don’t Lie: Why JBB benched Duren in the third quarter

Jalen Duren, YOU are a Milwaukee Buck with some of these defensive possessions!

Charlotte Hornets – At The Hive – Recap/Analysis: Miller and Melo power Hornets past Pacers

A team that will probably end the season with a pretty sucky record, but who have also shown the capability to play defense occasionally AND they have young players who handle the ball a lot? GULP.

The Social Media Section

Keep on the lookout for Bobby’s items (although if they haven’t been found by now, odds are he’s never getting that stuff back)

Looks itchy as all get out

This dude is one of the kinds of guys of all time

Otherwise, as you’d expect guys aren’t really posting with the defeats piling up at their feet. Once they win more than a game every other week, expect this section of the MMMR to fill out.

Riley’s 2024-2025 Prediction Record: 5-5

Milwaukee Bucks 2024-2025 Actual Record: 2-8

I’m usually not up above the Bucks by this much this deep into the season. No, we will not begin using this as another tracking stat to emphasize how lackluster the year has been so far, but it is worth mentioning!

The games on deck!

• NBA CUP — v. Toronto Raptors, Tuesday, Nov. 12th — 7:00 PM (Central)
• v. Detroit Pistons, Wednesday, Nov. 13th — 7:00 PM (Central)
• @ Charlotte Hornets, Saturday, Nov. 16th — 2:00 PM (Central)

I will say 1-2 on the week with losses to the Raptors and Hornets. All three of these opponents have gotten drubbed at least occasionally, but with Milwaukee’s back against the wall I will withhold confidence in their beating crappy young teams with any regularity until they… actually start doing that regularly. Hopefully this is the start of new trend!

Happy Monday!