The Milwaukee Bucks will play host gto the Charlotte Hornets at BMO Harris Bradley Center on Wednesday night to kick-off their 2016-17 season.
The Bucks took a step backwards last season in relation to their 2014-15 campaign, however coach Kidd and the Bucks will be looking make a leap forward this season. With solid additions like Mirza Teletovic, Matthew Dellavedova, and veteran Jason Terry, the Bucks added some seasoned depth to their core. They will have to overcome the loss of Khris Middleton, who is out with a torn hamstring, but did undergo successful surgery. Middleton has been projected to be back in action in about six months but uncertainty remains. In the meantime new additions Tony Snell, who was acquired in a trade that sent Michael Carter-Williams to the Bulls, and Michael Beasley, who was acquired in a trade with Houston that sent Tyler Ennis to the Rockets, should be able to help fill the void left by Middleton’s absence. Finally, rookie Thon Maker will be making his NBA debut with the Bucks and is a player that fans can really be excited about given his great length, mobility and overall potential.
The Hornets will be looking to take their next step forward this season after an early playoff exit last season at the hands of the Cavaliers. Al Jefferson, Jeremy Lin and Courtney Lee have all moved on to new teams but the additions of veteran guards Ramon Sessions and Marco Belinelli, center Roy Hibbert, as well as a healthy Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are all positive. The addition of Hibbert will provide some healthy competition for the starting center roll with Cody Zeller. Ultimately the success of the Hornets this season will depend largely on the leadership and performance of Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum.
