Milwaukee Bucks: 3 X-factors to repeating as champions in 2021-22

Although it seems like they won the title just yesterday, the Milwaukee Bucks are already gearing up for the new season.

The shortened offseason certainly flew by as the Bucks are just a few short weeks away from the first preseason game of the 2021-22 season. Last season was undoubtedly an eventful ride from start to finish, and there are bound to be some fireworks as this team looks to defend their title as the reigning world champions. While many have already written them off due to the competition around the league, the Bucks have a chance to defend their title and go back-to-back next year. With that being said, here are three X-factors that will be crucial for the Bucks to repeat in 2022.

X-factors for Milwaukee Bucks repeating in 2021-22 season: Staying healthy

Health was a massive factor throughout the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Practically every team suffered an injury to a key player at some point, including the Bucks. Donte DiVincenzo went down in the first round against the Miami Heat and never returned to the lineup, while the Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo for two games in the Conference Finals after he hyperextended his knee.

To repeat as champions next season, the Bucks will need to be healthy. As it stands, there are two players currently shrouded in uncertainty, those being DiVincenzo and Rodney Hood. The Big Ragu underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ligament in his ankle shortly after he got injured, but the team has kept his rehabilitation under lock and key since then. The question remains whether DiVincenzo will be ready by opening night, and although the Bucks managed to win the title in his absence last season, they would certainly like to have their starter back.

As for Hood, he will not play as crucial of a role as DiVincenzo, but he is still someone who could have a major impact on this team. The swingman is essentially on a “prove it” deal for next year as he had a down year in 2020-21 after battling through a previously torn Achilles, a fractured hand, and a significant hip injury. Hood would be an instant contributor off the bench if he is healthy, and the Bucks would certainly like him to be back to full strength as they gear up for this run.

Those are currently the team’s only massive injury concerns, but they will need the rest of the roster to stay healthy as the year goes on. One injury could derail their hopes entirely, and keeping everyone intact will be an X-factor for the Bucks, just like it could for every other team in the NBA. When healthy, this team can compete with the best of them.