Is the supporting cast of the Milwaukee Bucks getting too old?

As Giannis Antetokounmpo's reign in Milwaukee continues, should we be worried about their aging supporting cast?

Any team that stars two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is bound to be pegged as a title favorite. And while the “Greek Freak” can be counted on to deliver eye-popping numbers every time he sets foot on the floor for the Milwaukee Bucks, he is only one piece of the puzzle. The Bucks’ chances of winning a championship also hinge on the performances of their supporting cast. The question is, can the likes of Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez keep up with the rest of the league?

Injury concerns

The Bucks’ supporting cast is a proven and tested one that has been through the gauntlet of numerous NBA playoff battles, including a title-winning campaign in 2021. But the Bucks are relying on veteran players who could be subject to injury. Khris Middleton is coming off a season wherein he played just 33 games, Jrue Holiday has dealt with a variety of injuries in recent years, and Brook Lopez had back surgery in 2022 that limited him to just 13 games. These factors could hamper their ability to stay healthy and limit their on-court production.

“Only the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers have a higher average roster age than Milwaukee (28.4) heading into the 2023-24 season. Brook and Robin Lopez are both 35. Jrue Holiday and Jae Crowder are 33. Khris Middleton just turned 32, and even Antetokounmpo will be entering the final year in his 20's this December. With little young talent to be found on this roster, the title window is closing a little bit each season,” Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report wrote.

The need to develop young talent

The past seasons have seen the Bucks lean into their veteran core. However, as time passes, the window for an NBA championship is beginning to close. To extend their title chances, Milwaukee needs to begin developing young talent and limit their reliance on aging veterans.

Even though they lack upper-echelon draft picks in the short term, Milwaukee has a few promising pieces in MarJon Beachamp, Chris Livingston, and Andre Jackson.

“Finding some ways to add younger talent while also chasing championships isn't going to be easy, but may also be necessary for this group,” Swartz added.