The Milwaukee Bucks have improved their place in the Eastern Conference after a sluggish 2-8 start to the 2024-25 NBA season. The Bucks are on a six-game win streak and hope to continue their winning ways on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons. Even with their recent trend, however, three-time NBA champion Danny Green cast his doubt over the team without a key played.

Milwaukee Bucks, Khris Middleton


Nov 22, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (left) sits on the bench with guard Damian Lillard (0) in the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

The squad has missed Khris Middleton amid their ups and downs this season. Middleton is yet to play his first game of the season as he’s recovering from the offseason ankle surgeries he underwent.

Green Bay Packers Khris MiddletonApr 30, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) walks off the court following the game against the Indiana Pacers during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Despite their hot streak, Green says the Bucks don’t have a clear identity.

“That’s the question, has not only the roster, but has the coaching staff, have they mended together, have they fixed some things or changed some things? We don’t know,” Green said about the Bucks on NBA TV. “I think it’s a combination of yes, they’ve figured something out, and a combination of the schedule not being as strong, but they haven’t been whole all season. I don’t know who they are until I see Khris Middleton and Giannis… they’re a contender with him, but we don’t even know yet.”

“I don’t know who they are until I see Khris Middleton” @DGreen_14 tells @StephanieReady that the Bucks won’t have a true identity until they’re fully healthy  pic.twitter.com/AdwP5YZzO3

Middleton was expected to make his season debut on Tuesday. However, head coach Doc Rivers confirmed the star forward will remain on the sidelines as he gets back into shape to return to action.

Green said the Bucks’ lack of chemistry is the reason why the team struggled

Milwaukee Bucks

Nov 30, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) help Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) up after colliding with Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

The Bucks had difficulty early in the season, losing a handful of games in the first weeks. In most of the eight games they lost, Milwaukee couldn’t keep up with most teams and had double-digit deficits against other teams. Green claims that the team’s inability to establish a foundation early on was due to a lack of chemistry.

“I don’t take too much on that. It could’ve been him being in Greece because he’s not from here. But some of the guys should’ve gotten together,” Green said.

The former San Antonio Spurs shooter opened up about his experience with Gregg Popovich and the crew that helped the team’s chemistry. Green said the same method was used when he was with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Toronto Raptors.

“Every winning team I’ve been on, we had some time together. San Antonio, we spent a lot of summers in San Antonio. In L.A., we would do some mini-camps in Vegas or something like that. Toronto, the same thing, we got a group together and worked out even in San Diego with Kawhi and Norm. I think it’s important.”

Green’s chemistry with the teams he’s been on helping them win titles, and that is something he thinks is lacking with the Bucks.

Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis AntetokounmpoNov 23, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks the ball against Charlotte Hornets in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.