Bucks: GM Jon Horst Believes Team Is Still a Championship Core Outside of Big 3, Only Needs More Athleticism

(Photo : Bob Levey/Getty Images) HOUSTON, TEXAS - Giannis Antetokounmpo (#34) of the Milwaukee Bucks receives high fives from teammates Pat Connaughton (#24) and Bobby Portis (#9) after a fast break dunk during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on December 10, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Milwaukee Bucks, NBA's oldest team last season, may have bowed out in the most disappointing fashion last season, but general manager Jon Horst believes that they are still title contenders.

He believes the Bucks can still challenge anyone in the league, not just because they were able to retain their Big Three in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton.

For him, the surrounding personnel are still capable players that can lead them to another title run.

He refers to Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, and Brook Lopez, who, together with the Big 3, are the remaining member of their 2021 NBA Championship team.

"They want to do more. I think we're all proud of who we've been and who we are, but I think they also are really hungry to get back on top and to show everyone that we can do what we think we can do," Horst told The Athletic when asked to explain the presence of those veterans.

"And it's not been perfect. Not every year is perfect, but last year through 82 games, we won more than anybody else and then we lost in the playoffs."

Fresh legs are still necessary

While the Bucks are counting on these veterans, Horst noted they still need to instill young legs into the team for a deeper run to the playoffs.

They currently have Marjon Beauchamp in last year's draft and hope they will get something from Andre Jackson and Chris Livingston, who were taken as the 36th and 58th picks, respectively.

"We definitely want to continue to invest and try to find - I don't know if you want to call it the next version of this team - but additions that can be part of whatever the version of this team is going forward," he explained.