The 2022-23 NBA season has already been a wild one. So wild, in fact, that several of the league’s best teams already look nothing like they did at the beginning of the season. Just one example is the Brooklyn Nets traded away superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, sending them off to fellow contenders Phoenix and Brooklyn. But despite all of the chaos that has taken place already this NBA season, my pick for the best team in the NBA so far this season is a team that hasn’t changed at all: the Milwaukee Bucks.
For the past few seasons, the Bucks have consistently been a force in the Eastern Conference, and a championship contender as well. And they’ve done it the old-fashioned way, with lockdown defense and no-frills efficiency on offense. They rank 5th in the league in point differential per game, which is already impressive. But recently, the team has hit a whole new level and caught absolute fire. Earlier in the season, the team was dealing with some injuries, but now that the gang is back together, the Bucks have gotten back to business. They have strung together an impressive win streak of 16 games, and they have accumulated a record to this point of 45-17, tied for first in the Eastern Conference along with the Boston Celtics. The Bucks have their stars — versatile point guard Jrue Holiday, All-Star sniper Khris Middleton and of course, one-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. But that’s not what makes them rise above the rest of their competition. I believe that Milwaukee are the best team in the NBA for two reasons: depth and experience.
Surrounding Holiday, Middleton and Antetokounmpo is a loaded supporting cast and bench who are perfect for their roles. Big men Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis are excellent off the glass and can get buckets in bunches if need be. Guards Pat Connaughton, Grayson Allen and Jevon Carter do dirty work defensively and can run the offense. And veterans like Joe Ingles and Jae Crowder add experience to the battle-hardened squad. Which brings me to my next point — the Bucks are special because they’ve retained their greatness for several seasons. They have been contenders since Antetokounmpo became a star in 2016, and have retained their roster and identity since. Come playoff time, the Bucks are the ones who have done it all before, and there is no doubt in my mind that they can do it again. Their title run was just two years ago, and not much has changed in Milwaukee since.
The Celtics may be more talented. The Nuggets may be more flashy. The Suns may be more efficient. But the Bucks know how to win, and it wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see them win until there’s no more winning left to do in the 2022-23 NBA season.
Joey With Sports 