Three reasons for hope, three reasons for concern

THREE REASONS FOR HOPE

The Greek Freak: Giannis Antetokounmpo made a major leap last season, leading the Bucks in the five major statistical categories on the way to starting the All-Star Game, earning second-team all-NBA honors and being named the league’s Most Improved Player. Another step forward — especially one akin to his naturally long strides — and Antetokounmpo could catapult into the MVP conversation. If that happens, there’s no limit on what the Bucks can achieve.

Getting the band back together: The Bucks’ roster features 12 players who were with the team at the end of last season, with only Michael Beasley and Spencer Hawes going elsewhere and Gary Payton II signing with Milwaukee on Tuesday on a two-way contract. That level of continuity could correlate to success as individual players improve and the team builds on its chemistry from last season. Milwaukee’s hope is its level of familiarity will help it get off to a strong start while other teams are still figuring themselves out.

Midseason addition: Jabari Parker already is working out and looking impressive as he rehabs from tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee for the second time in three years. He’s due back in February and can provide a late spark as the team pushes toward the postseason. The Bucks are looking forward to having their three stars — Antetokounmpo, Parker and Khris Middleton — together on the court for the first extended time since the 2015-’16 season.

THREE REASONS FOR CONCERN

Shaky defense: Last season, the Bucks ranked 19th in the NBA in defensive rating and struggled to limit teams from beyond the three-point arc. Their aggressive, trapping defense also allowed more than its fair share of easy buckets. With the same personnel and the same general scheme, the Bucks will need to demonstrate definite improvement — or become much more potent on offense — to move up.

All on 34: Antetokounmpo has become one of the best players in the NBA, which makes him an incredible asset. He has a hand in virtually everything the Bucks do, but when he’s off the court the Bucks don’t have the same potency at either end of the court. With more time for rest between games he may be able to shoulder a larger load, but if he misses any period of time the Bucks will have a lot of questions to answer.

Who steps up? Greg Monroe’s impact off the bench is close to a sure thing, but after that, there are plenty of questions. Matthew Dellavedova and Mirza Teletovic didn’t stand out in their first season with the Bucks, John Henson has had a diminished role, Rashad Vaughn has yet to make a major impact, Jason Terry won’t log major minutes and the level at which rookies D.J. Wilson and Sterling Brown will contribute is not yet known. With Michael Beasley gone, and his scoring potential gone with him, the Bucks need to find some consistent scoring threats off the bench.