Should Milwaukee Bucks’ poor recent form be a worry for their fans? Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t think so. The number two team in the Eastern Conference was the topic of debate on the ‘NBA on TNT’ show, with O’Neal and former Bulls player Jamal Crawford sharing opposing views on the reason behind the Bucks’ bad run.

NBA on TNT’s latest episode had only Shaq from the original cast with Diesel joined by Crawford, podcaster Adam Lefkoe, and former Hornets player Baron Davis. During the conversation, the crew was seen discussing the current seeds of certain teams within the points chart. Shaq proceeded to put Milwaukee Bucks’ poor form down to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s team conserving themselves for the playoffs.

Shaq said, “When I look at Milwaukee, I don’t know if it’s lack of effort or boredom. All their ups and downs, they are still the second seeds.” This prompted Crawford to chime in as he pointed out, “But Shaq they are 15-15 over the last 30.” However, O’Neal still backed Bucks to come good in the playoffs and explained why they may have lost four out of their last five games.

Shaq continued his defense of the Bucks and said, “They’re still number two seed. I’m thinking they’re bored and waiting for the playoffs. Cause a lot of us, like we not really shut it down, but we rest our mind and then right before playoff starts, then we get into them.” I think they are gonna be dangerous in the playoffs.” But Crawford disagreed as the debate raged on.

Jamal Crawford, who devoted over two decades of his life to the NBA before officially retiring in 2020, provided a contrasting opinion to Shaq’s viewpoint. He stated, “I don’t think they are resting. And I don’t think they are saying we can turn it on. Boston I think you have some credence with that, Milwaukee is trying to find a way. Doc (Rivers) is taking notes on everybody.” After Shaq again stressed on the Bucks’ higher seeding, Crawford highlighted what has changed for the team since they attained that seed.

“They’re on the second seed because of the 30-13 record that Adrian Griffin helped them get in the first place. They’ve been 15 and 15 (now)”. Baron Davis agreed and said the Bucks are “surviving.” Shaq though remained adamant on his stance and said, “They’re gonna turn in on in the playoffs.”

The Milwaukee Bucks fired Adrian Griffin as coach on January 23 despite boasting one of the league’s best records at that time. The Bucks were 30-13 when they let go of Griffin and hired Doc Rivers. But their form in the last few games has been concerning. They have a solitary win over the Atlanta Hawks in their last five games.

If they continue down their current trajectory, then it gives the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Orlando Magic a window to overtake them. Jamal Crawford is not the only one who has recently voiced his opinion against the 2021 championship winnesr, as other members of the NBA fraternity have been seen speaking out as well.

Paul Pierce blamed the lack of leadership in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s team

Prior to the debate between the TNT crew, former Celtics star Paul Pierce appeared for a discussion on Skip Bayless’s ‘Undisputed’. Highlighting the Bucks’ recent 5-5 record, the 2008 NBA champion was pretty blunt in highlighting his belief that providing good leadership and a proper defense is where the team is finding it hard to leave a mark.

“Giannis has been great numbers-wise, but teams aren’t afraid of Milwaukee anymore,” said Pierce. “They’re .500 since the All-Star or since Doc has taken over, they just don’t have that aura anymore. They don’t give you a defensive presence anymore.” The Bucks have fallen in terms of their defensive rating, dropping from the 4 to the 16 overall rank within a span of just one season. While it may not be the entire reason for their struggle, it can be considered a factor.

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Do you side more with Shaquille O’Neal’s assessment or that of Jamal Crawford and Paul Pierce? Let us know in the comments down below.

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