National Basketball Association

Milwaukee Bucks: There's A New Culture In Milwaukee

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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After a long rough patch in Milwaukee Bucks history, the team looks to expand on the success they found in 2014-15 and work towards winning an NBA Championship once again.

The Milwaukee Bucks haven’t won an NBA championship since 1971. The team’s lack of success was a source of frustration for an entire generation of fans. Milwaukee lost the interest of casual fans, and the die hards watched in disappointment, as consistent mediocrity became the expectation.

Things changed in 2014. Long-time franchise owner and senator Herb Kohl relinquished control of the team to a new ownership group led by Marc Lasry and Wes Edens. Legendary point guard Jason Kidd was brought on to take over head coaching duties.

The Bucks drafted Jabari Parker with the second overall pick in 2014. Parker and 2013 first-round pick Giannis Antetokounmpo ushered in a new style of Bucks basketball.

In addition to the numerous personnel changes, Milwaukee secured the building of a new arena and entertainment district downtown. The culture totally shifted, and people are excited about the Bucks again. Success appears imminent, as the team’s young core develops together.

Milwaukee surprised basketball fans in 2014-15 with a trip to the playoffs and a hard-fought battle against the Chicago Bulls in the first round of postseason play. The BMO Harris Bradley Center was rocking, and the roots of a rivalry between the Bucks and the Bulls was forming.

The atmosphere was electric, as a crowd split almost evenly between Bucks fans and Bulls fans watched a thrilling overtime contest in game three. Milwaukee took the series to six games before bowing out.

The Bucks were unable to repeat 2014-15’s results last season, but Antetokounmpo and Parker gained invaluable experience on the court. Antetokounmpo proved he could be utilized as a point forward. Parker was able to get more acclimated to the NBA after missing most of the previous year due to injury.

More from Behind the Buck Pass

During the 2015-16 regular season, the league’s biggest story was Golden State’s remarkable record. The Warriors marched into Milwaukee with a perfect 24-0 record. The Bucks, who were in last place at the time, were big-time underdogs. Milwaukee shocked Golden State with a 108-95 beat-down. Greg Monroe had a monster game, and Antetokounmpo went off for a triple-double in front of a huge crowd in Brew City.

The Bucks will undoubtedly face more growing pains as they move forward, but the team’s brand is radically different than it was just a few years ago. New owners, new coaches, new players and a new arena in construction are all contributing to the momentum shift.

As the 2016-17 NBA season quickly approaches, it’s a fun and promising time to be a Bucks fan. I’m delighted to write that Milwaukee appears poised to rise above mediocrity and toward the franchise’s first championship in more than 45 years.

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