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Milwaukee Bucks Point Forward Podcast

Milwaukee Bucks Point Forward Podcast

293 episodes — Page 1 of 6

With Doc Rivers out, how soon before Bucks have a new head coach? (04.15.2026)

Apr 15, 202635 min

Is the Giannis Antetokounmpo saga reaching a boiling point (04.09.2026)

Apr 9, 202651 min

The tanking Bucks plod toward the finish line; can they keep Giannis happy enough to want to stay? (03.31.2026)

The Milwaukee Bucks have been an afterthought for a while, now clinching a losing record and eliminated from a playoff berth in 2025-26 for the first postseason miss in a decade. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe examine the ashes, particularly looking for clues about whether or not Giannis Antetokounmpo will be back next year, and who's ultimately responsible for making that call. The NBA is obsessed with stopping tanking; is that a justified pursuit, and have the Bucks been violating some key tenets in that regard with Giannis? Is there any chance Doc Rivers is back as head coach next year? What else do we need to know about the rest of the team as we look ahead to 2026-27?

Mar 31, 202647 min

Is there any hope left for the Milwaukee Bucks? What happened here? (03.05.2026)

The Milwaukee Bucks have lost four straight games, including dispiriting losses to Chicago and Atlanta, and now their play-in hopes are on life support. What happened here? Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss the situation as best they can. Is all hope really lost? Why can't this team find any measure of consistency? Why is Doc Rivers still head coach? Where does Giannis Antetokounmpo fit in all this? What's left to watch for over the season's final 20 games?

Mar 5, 202648 min

The Bucks are en fuego even without Giannis, but there's more work left than you'd think (02.27.2026)

The Milwaukee Bucks have won eight of 10 without Giannis Antetokounmpo available, and Kevin Porter Jr. has taken center stage in a couple back-to-back wins over the Heat and Cavaliers. But everybody else in the chase for a play-in spot has been winning, too, leaving the Bucks still in need for a lot more. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss why this version of the Bucks has worked, when Giannis might be back, the ultimate future for Porter in Milwaukee, Myles Turner, the schedule ahead and more.

Feb 27, 202632 min

Newcomers Ousmane Dieng and Cam Thomas give the Bucks a spark ... can it last? (02.17.2026)

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe take a look at the suddenly hot Milwaukee Bucks, with newcomers Cam Thomas and Ousmane Dieng contributing to a revitalization that might be important with Giannis Antetokounmpo close to returning from injury. Is this for real? Could the Bucks really make the play-in tournament? When exactly will Giannis be back? Plus a look back at the all-star weekend, with Giannis playing the master of ceremonies role despite not getting a chance to play. Which Wisconsin player is the bigger name right now, Jalen Johnson or Kon Knueppel? Dame won the 3-point competition!

Feb 17, 202647 min

The trade deadline is behind us, and Giannis is still here! (02.06.2026)

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe look at what the Bucks did at the trade deadline, which wasn't all that much. Notably, Giannis Antetokounmpo is still here, but what are the odds he gets moved in the offseason? Does the national media preoccupation with moving Giannis create a tangible negative impact? What about the moves Milwaukee did make? How seriously will Milwaukee pursue wins in the home stretch once Giannis is healthy?

Feb 6, 202643 min

Takeaways from a 1-on-1 conversation with Giannis Antetokounmpo (02.03.2026)

Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Jim Owczarski at length Feb. 3, less than two days before the NBA trade deadline. What were Jim's thoughts on those comments after asking what Giannis himself wanted? How is he negotiating the duality of wanting to stay in Milwaukee and playing for a championship? If he's exerting pressure on the Bucks, what does he want to see that he hasn't seen from a front office, even one that has engineered teams around Giannis for several years? Jim talks about the perception that Giannis wants to avoid being the bad guy, the likelihood of a trade by the deadline, whether or not he thinks this team can really compete again next year and how the 2026 draft might factor into the process.

Feb 4, 202634 min

Giannis hurt again and the Bucks season is circling the drain ... so now what? (01.27.2026)

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss another injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo, one that's likely to keep him out for well over a month. The Bucks season is completely sunk, right? What does that mean for Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee, especially with the trade deadline just ahead? They discuss Giannis's puzzling run of games before the injury, the team's rosier-than-you-might-think draft outlook, Doc Rivers still being the head coach, how management might approach the Giannis situation in the offseason, why the Bucks have every opportunity to bounce back quickly next season, where Jon Horst is in all of this and more.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Jan 27, 202658 min

Has the dynamic between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks fans changed? (01.15.2026)

Bucks reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jim Owczarski, and host JR Radcliffe dive into the incident Jan. 13 when the Milwaukee Bucks took a lopsided loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Giannis Antetokounmpo took exception to some fan booing. Has the dynamic with the fan base changed? Does it portend anything about his long-term stay with the organization, or are we actually headed toward Giannis signing an offseason extension? More importantly, is there anything the Bucks can do at the trade deadline that will bring this team back from its current state, well off the pace among the leaders in the Eastern Conference? Ja Morant? Zach LaVine? A new coach? And what in the world is going on with a team that hasn't been able to beat injury-depleted opponents?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Jan 15, 202633 min

The Bucks show signs of life after limping into 2026 (01.07.2026)

Could this possibly be a glimmer of hope for the Milwaukee Bucks? After a humbling loss to the Washington Wizards on New Year's Eve, Milwaukee has won two straight and four of five as it looks to right the ship and move toward a playoff spot in a friendly Eastern Conference. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss where this team stands after a brutal stretch without Giannis Antetokounmpo, how things shape up in the conference now that he's back and the vibes in the locker room. They discuss his comments after the Wizards loss, check in on his cloudy future in Milwaukee, discuss the upcoming trade deadline, Doc Rivers and Myles Turner. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Jan 7, 202645 min

SPECIAL BADGERS PODCAST: What went wrong with UW football? (12.04.2025)

We'll get back to Milwaukee Bucks content soon enough, but here's a special episode marking the re-launch of the Journal Sentinel podcast covering the University of Wisconsin, primarily football and basketball. Host JR Radcliffe and Badgers reporters Mark Stewart and John Steppe look at the stumbling blocks that put the football program in such bad shape, an issue highlighted by a tough national signing day Dec. 3. How does Wisconsin get back on its feet? Did they make a mistake keeping Luke Fickell? They also talk about the men's basketball team on the heels of a win in its Big Ten opener and check in with the women's hoops team and its new coach, plus a look at the women's volleyball team's NCAA journey ahead.Find the Wisconsin Badgers Podcast (and help us give it a new name) on Apple Podcasts, as well as Spotify.

Dec 6, 202550 min

Does Giannis Antetokounmpo want out? What are we supposed to make of Bucks current situation? (12.04.2025)

A surreal Dec. 3 included word that Giannis Antetokounmpo was once again considering his future in Milwaukee, an injury that is going to force him to miss weeks and an 18-point comeback against the best team in the Eastern Conference with him off the floor. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe dive into everything Jim knows about the Antetokounmpo situation (and what he doesn't know). Has anything fundamentally changed between him and the Bucks? Was a terrible loss in Washington a warning sign? How can the Bucks salvage the situation? What would a trade look like? When could it happen? What missteps have the Bucks made along the way? Will Doc Rivers be fired? It's an all-Giannis episode.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Dec 4, 20251h 1m

Giannis Antetokounmpo injured; just how much trouble are the Bucks in? (11.18.2025)

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Jim Owczarski joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury, one that forced him from a game in Cleveland and leaves the immediate future cloudy for the Milwaukee Bucks star. It's not as if the team had been thriving with him either, having lost recent games to the Hornets, Lakers and now the Cavaliers. How much trouble are the Bucks in? Even if Giannis comes back quickly, who else needs to step up to get the Bucks back on a clear playoff trajectory? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Nov 18, 202529 min

How worried should we be about the Bucks injuries and recent play?

Milwaukee Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski joins host JR Radcliffe on the Point Forward Podcast, discussing the Bucks recent rash of injuries (Taurean Prince, AJ Green, Kevin Porter still, Giannis to some degree) and their so-so play, including a loss to Charlotte without Giannis and a narrow win over struggling Dallas. How problematic is the Prince injury? Has Myles Turner made enough of an impact in his first few weeks with the Bucks? What's up with Bobby Portis and Gary Trent Jr.? What about Giannis's unreal performance in an NBA Cup win over the Bulls? Could Victor Oladipo actually help?

Nov 14, 202536 min

Will Giannis ever get a consistent whistle? Plus: A thriller in Indiana and letdown in Toronto (11.06.2025)

The Bucks had a couple uplifting victories (without Giannis Antetokounmpo against Golden State and with his buzzer-beater in Indiana) but also a couple clunkers (Sacramento and Toronto) over the past week. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins host JR Radcliffe to ponder the whistle that Giannis isn't getting, and the growing concern that he'll get hurt badly if teams are allowed to hack him to pieces. They talk Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, the added injury time for Kevin Porter Jr., a thrilling win and a heel-turn from Antetokounmpo in Indiana and more. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Nov 6, 202551 min

Giannis Antetokounmpo torches the Knicks; does that mean trade talk can die? LOL. (10.29.2025)

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been unbelievable through the first four games of the season, including an impressive win over the Knicks on Oct. 28. Does that mean we can table trade talk to New York for a while? Sure, but not for long. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss the state of the man and the city that belongs to him, with the Bucks out to 3-1 on the year. Is Kyle Kuzma for real? Is Ryan Rollins REALLY for real? What is traveling, even? Jim discusses his impressions of a postgame question about the reported ties between Giannis and the Knicks, with the team out to a fast-enough start to keep those questions largely at arm's length.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Oct 29, 202550 min

Bucks enjoy strong debut against Khris Middleton and Wizards, but injury to Kevin Porter looms (10.24.2025)

The Milwaukee Bucks opened the 2025-26 season with a bang, a 133-120 win over the Washington Wizards and a celebration of Khris Middleton. But Kevin Porter Jr. left the game with an injury, leaving an early hole for a team that entered the season pretty healthy. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss the huge opening statement by Giannis Antetokounmpo, AJ Green's extension, Ryan Rollins absorbing big minutes, the departure of Tyler Smith (leaving the roster with zero draft picks aside from Giannis), the usage of Bobby Portis and more. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Oct 24, 202542 min

The Bucks are back! What's worth paying attention to in the Giannis Antetokounmpo offseason rumors? (10.16.2025)

Milwaukee Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski joins host JR Radcliffe on the Point Forward Podcast, discussing just how much fire there is surrounding the offseason smoke of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Is there really a chance he leaves the Bucks in the near future? What's worth paying attention to, and what's not? Then, the guys discuss the 2025 season, where the Bucks have as wide a variance in possible outcomes as they've had in years. What does Myles Turner add? Is this an AJ Green breakout season? Is Kevin Porter maybe the team's second-best player? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Oct 16, 202553 min

Bucks waive Damian Lillard, sign Myles Turner in surprise free-agency maneuver (07.01.2025)

Free agency has arrived! The Milwaukee Bucks made a splash on July 1, signing Myles Turner and waiving Damian Lillard to make it work. Lillard, who wasn't due back until late in the 2025-26 season, if at all, now becomes a free agent after two years with the Bucks. Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss it. How should we term Lillard's tenure in Milwaukee?The Bucks are also bringing back many of the same players, including Gary Trent Jr. on a team-friendly deal, plus Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., Taurean Prince and Jericho Sims. Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton bid adieu, on their way to Los Angeles and Charlotte, respectively. Will Lopez get his number retired eventually?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Jul 1, 202550 min

What's different this time around for the Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo? (05.14.2025)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is unhappy with the direction of the Bucks, but what does that mean for the offseason and what changes? Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins host JR Radcliffe to examine the latest on Antetokounmpo's state of mind. He hasn't asked for a trade, but are we sure he's back in 2025? Is there a deal out there that could really help the Bucks stay afloat? What do the Bucks have to do to satisfy his concerns? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

May 14, 202538 min

Can the Bucks stay competitive if Giannis Antetokounmpo stays? A look at Milwaukee's offseason (05.02.2025)

What's the likelihood that Giannis Antetokounmpo is back next season, and is there any way the Bucks can compete for a title? The answers to those questions might surprise you. Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins host JR Radcliffe to examine the big decisions looming for the Bucks this offseason. How do the Bucks define "competitive," and are we sure a re-tooled team with Giannis can't meet that definition in the years ahead? Will Doc Rivers be back as coach? Which players will be Milwaukee's priority in free agency?

May 2, 202558 min

Damian Lillard's major injury: What does it mean for now and for next year? Here come Giannis rumors. (04.28.2025)

Damian Lillard left Game 4 with what looks like a devastating injury, one that unquestionably makes a series win over the Pacers harder but also one that puts his 2025-26 season in jeopardy. Host JR Radcliffe and Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski discuss the heartbreaking development for Milwaukee and where they go from here. Can they still somehow prevail in this series? How does it change the outlook for next year? Will Giannis Antetokounmpo be traded? What's the level of surprise that the franchise re-upped general manager Jon Horst?

Apr 28, 202527 min

Emergency podcast: Damian Lillard gets wildly encouraging health news before playoffs start (04.17.2025)

We assumed the Milwaukee Bucks would be without Damian Lillard for, at the very least, the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Maybe we were wrong? News came Thursday that Lillard is cleared for basketball activity and is no longer on blood-thinning medication, part of a rapid recovery that could have him available very early in the playoffs. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe chat about the development and what it means for the Bucks. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Apr 17, 202512 min

Previewing the Milwaukee Bucks against the Indiana Pacers

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski, Indy Star reporter Dustin Dopirak and host JR Radcliffe discuss the upcoming playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers. Will we see a different result after last year's playoff matchup between the two teams? Who has to rise up with Damian Lillard sidelined for Milwaukee? How big of a deal is the rivalry between the two teams? Is Tyrese Haliburton still the same player he was last year? Also, did we find room for the return of the Petty Horn? Mayyyyybe.

Apr 16, 202545 min

The Bucks are closing strong; how do we feel about a first-round playoff series in Indiana? (04.09.2025)

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe reflect on a great closing run for the Bucks, including a wild comeback Tuesday over Minnesota. Could this team win a first-round playoff series? It's looking like Indiana will be the opponent, and that creates a reasonable path. But what about Damian Lillard? Is the Kyle Kuzma deal shaping up to be the worst of Jon Horst's tenure? Is Doc Rivers the right coach for the team going forward?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Apr 9, 202533 min

Just how worried should we be about the Bucks tumble to the sixth seed? (04.02.2025)

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe take inventory of the Bucks recent woes, even after a win over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Is there hope that they dig themselves out of the sixth seed? Actually, there might be. Can Giannis Antetokounmpo simply will the Bucks to a first-round series win? Is there any hope Damian Lillard returns? What's with the Bucks not showing a tribute video to Mike Budenholzer upon his return to Fiserv Forum? And what's the ripple effects into the offseason if this goes badly?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Apr 2, 202525 min

Damian Lillard's injury leaves Bucks in a tough spot with playoffs looming

A calf injury to Bucks star Damian Lillard has cast a pall over the home stretch of the 2024-25 season. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss the outlook for the Bucks and the ominous signs around the ailment. Plus, what's up with Kyle Kuzma? Another Brook Lopez renaissance? Could the Bucks win a theoretical first-round series without Dame? No questions allowed to Mike Budenholzer?

Mar 25, 202531 min

What's been ailing the Milwaukee Bucks during three straight losses? Plus: The tragic loss of Junior Bridgeman (03.12.2025)

After three straight losses, the Bucks are left looking like a team that can't work deep into the postseason. What's missing? Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe try to assess the issues facing the Bucks and also dive into the sudden loss of former Bucks star and current team minority owner Junior Bridgeman.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Mar 12, 202530 min

How will NBA history remember Giannis Antetokounmpo? (03.06.2025)

Giannis Antetokounmpo reached 20,000 points on March 5 for the surging Bucks, a career milestone that places him in elite company yet again. How big a benchmark is this one? Will history remember him as the definitive player of an era, or is he destined to only share the stage in history with Nikola Jokić? How the midrange jumper has changed his approach, and what he said to the Journal Sentinel when he was again asked about his own legacy in Milwaukee. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Mar 6, 202536 min

The Bobby Portis suspension, Kevin Porter's ascension, Khris in D.C. and more (02.24.2025)

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss recent Bucks happenings on the Point Forward Podcast. What do people still need to know about the Bobby Portis suspension, and how badly will the Bucks eventually feel his absence? Even though Kevin Porter has a dubious history, Jim discusses what's made his time in Milwaukee work thus far. The Bucks get an immediate glimpse of Khris Middleton in a new uniform, and the team is on a bit of a hot run heading into back-to-back showdowns against elite Western Conference teams.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Feb 24, 202529 min

The Bucks at the break: Giannis injury, new players on the court, All-Star Game (02.13.2025)

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski joins host JR Radcliffe to check in on the Milwaukee Bucks at the all-star break. How concerning are injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard? How has Kyle Kuzma and Kevin Porter looked in their first games with Milwaukee? What did Jon Horst say about the team's bevy of acquisitions at the trade deadline, including the past incidents involving Porter?

Feb 13, 202524 min

How did trading Khris Middleton help -- or hurt -- the Milwaukee Bucks? (02.05.2025)

In this emergency podcast, Bucks reporters Jim Owczarski and Lori Nickel join host JR Radcliffe to discuss Milwaukee's trade of postseason hero Khris Middleton to Washington in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, a deal that marks the end of a decade-long Middleton era in a Bucks uniform. How big a deal are the financial considerations? What did the Bucks gain, and what did they lose?

Feb 5, 202537 min

The trade deadline looms; is there anything out there that can help the Milwaukee Bucks? (02.03.2025)

The Milwaukee Bucks have hit a rough patch; is there anything the trade deadline can do to alleviate what ails them? Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and host JR Radcliffe discuss the current state of the team, why the recent slump might not be as bad as it seems and what approach might best suit the Bucks at the trade deadline. Jimmy Butler? Also, given the wild Mavericks-Lakers trade, is it suddenly more plausible to see Giannis Antetokounmpo dealt in the not-too-distant future?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Feb 3, 202527 min

The Bucks are a top-four team in the East; can they sustain it? (01.21.2025)

The Bucks have won four straight after a disappointing loss in New York, making them a top-four team in the East at the moment, so are they back to being a threat? Damian Lillard is cooking, Giannis is playing at an elite level and we're seeing the stars work well together. Plus: Checking in on the rumors of Jimmy Butler to the Bucks. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Jan 21, 202527 min

Khris Middleton to the bench? Why the Bucks remain confounding (01.09.2025)

The Milwaukee Bucks just won impressive back-to-back games, including against San Antonio and star Victor Wembanyama. But it's been tough sledding before that. What's the deal with Khris Middleton coming off the bench? Are Giannis and Dame actually clicking together on the floor? Are some struggles a question of effort? Could Jimmy Butler become a member of the Bucks? Journal Sentinel Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski discusses it with host JR Radcliffe.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Jan 9, 202526 min

Are the Bucks still a championship-caliber team this season? (12.30.2024)

The Milwaukee Bucks are still in playoff position but have struggled to hit a second gear late in the 2024 calendar, with injuries and illness playing a role. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss how Khris Middleton has looked in his return, the state of the team and the trade deadline looming in February.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Dec 30, 202424 min

Bucks clinch spot in Vegas for NBA Cup semifinals; how Dame and Giannis have adjusted their games (12.11.2024)

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss a Bucks team that has won 8 of 10 games, including a win over Orlando on Tuesday that put the Bucks into the NBA Emirates Cup semifinals in Las Vegas. How has Damian Lillard changed his game to accommodate his new surroundings, and how has Giannis adjusted in turn? How big will this NBA Cup opportunity be for the Bucks? What's the review of Khris Middleton's first three games back? What's the deal with Andre Jackson Jr. starting but only playing a minimal amount of minutes.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Dec 11, 202425 min

Welcome back Khris Middleton! Plus, where's the MVP love for Giannis? (12.05.2024)

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss the return of Khris Middleton; how slowly will he be eased back into the fold, and what does it mean for the Milwaukee Bucks? Plus: The Bucks have been strong lately, how the NBA Cup resonates with players in Year 2 and the surprisingly quiet rumblings around an MVP case for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Dec 5, 202419 min

Bucks are indeed back to .500, but what's the latest on injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton? (11.27.2024)

The Milwaukee Bucks are on fire and back to .500 after a win over Miami on Tuesday, but they had to do it with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski has the latest on injuries to Giannis and recovering Khris Middleton ... could we see Middleton on the floor soon? They chat about the recent successes and the plight of Pat Connaughton, who worked his way back into some prominent minutes. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Nov 27, 202412 min

An errant whistle ruins one game, but vibes still trending up after Rockets win (11.19.2024)

The Milwaukee Bucks got burned by a bad call in Charlotte (even the NBA thinks so, although it's still going to fine Doc Rivers for agreeing), but they got some good fortune in a narrow win over Houston, plus a game-winning bucket by newly returned Damian Lillard. The vibes are good, right? Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe take a look, discussing Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton and bad calls. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Nov 19, 202422 min

Giannis throws on a cape and drops 59 points as Bucks try to work out of funk (11.14.2024)

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 59 points, the second-best scoring output in Bucks history, and Milwaukee survived Detroit for a second straight win. It was a glorious individual effort, but was it actual progress for Milwaukee, now 4-8 on the season? Jim Owczarski and JR Radcliffe discuss it, from the emergence of Ryan Rollins to the shenanigans of Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart and, again, to the singular talent that is Giannis.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Nov 14, 202424 min

Are there any signs of optimism for the struggling Milwaukee Bucks? (11.07.2024)

Milwaukee Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe scratch and claw for any shreds of optimism as this team starts 1-6. Perhaps they find a glimmer of hope (or explanation), even with Khris Middleton and now Giannis Antetokounmpo nursing injuries. When will Khris be back? Is something up with Bobby Portis? Is there any scenario where Doc Rivers doesn't wind up coaching the whole season? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Nov 7, 202427 min

What's going wrong with the Milwaukee Bucks in the early going? (10.29.2024)

It's only four games, but the Milwaukee Bucks have been really rough to start the season, falling to 1-3 out of the gate. Is Khris Middleton really the primary answer to their woes? What's going on with Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton? Are Giannis and Dame partially to blame? Is it a different vibe than last year, when a slow start portended serious changes by January? Does even this small sample change what we think we know about the 2024-25 Milwaukee Bucks?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Oct 29, 202423 min

Khris Middleton's injury status and previewing the 2024-25 season (10.22.2024)

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe look at the Milwaukee Bucks' first week of the season, with battles coming against Philadelphia and Chicago. What's the deal with Khris Middleton's injury, and why does Milwaukee always seem to slow-play his return? Could the Bucks theoretically still thrive without him? What's a successful regular season look like for Milwaukee this year? And could the team move MarJon Beauchamp and bring back ... Thanasis?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Oct 22, 202419 min

Let's try that whole Giannis/Dame thing again; the preseason has begun

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the infancy of the Milwaukee Bucks season, with the games getting under way Oct. 23. National pundits don't seem to believe Milwaukee is a title contender this year; are they wrong, or has the window closed? What's the status of the Dame/Giannis relationship, and what about Khris Middleton's health? How will the new veterans contribute, and which will truly rise to the forefront? Is Doc Rivers the right guy to lead this team forward? Who needs to truly rise up for the Bucks to take a lunge forward? National writers have seemingly lost faith in a Bucks title run; are they sleeping on what a healthy Milwaukee can do?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Oct 14, 202448 min

The Bucks draft for the future and sign Delon Wright; is there more they can still do? (07.02.2024)

The Milwaukee Bucks went young with their two draft picks, then stayed quiet in the first 48 hours of free agency. What does that say about where the Bucks are headed for 2024-25. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss the draft selections of A.J. Johnson and Tyler Smith, plus the free-agent signing of Delon Wright. What's left on the table for the Bucks to accomplish? Does a trade remain a realistic option? Who are some players still available for veteran minimum contracts that fit Milwaukee?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Jul 2, 202433 min

What will the Bucks do in the 2024 NBA Draft? (06.21.2024)

Bucks writers Jim Owczarski and Ben Steele join host JR Radcliffe to discuss the upcoming NBA draft. Will the Bucks keep the players they select, and if so, which players are most intriguing? How does Milwaukee's financial situation play into the picture. Can they trade a veteran and still get better? Ben discusses what he expects for the Marquette University players in the draft. Plus: Can the Bucks really hang with this Celtics team next year? And the return of Darvin Ham.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Jun 21, 202438 min

A sad goodbye to the 2023-24 Milwaukee Bucks season (05.06.2024)

Snakebitten by injuries, the Milwaukee Bucks saw their 2023-24 season come to an unceremonious end in a 4-2 series loss to the Indiana Pacers. Was it just bad luck or something more fundamental? Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski gives a farewell to the season and also looks ahead. Will Milwaukee simply run it back? Is Jon Horst headed to Detroit? What do we make of the coaching carousel in retrospect? Where does Milwaukee need to specifically improve?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

May 6, 202453 min

Bucks vs. Pacers: The injury story lines, the bad blood, Tyrese Haliburton and more (04.19.2024)

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Pacers reporter Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star take a look at the looming clash between the two NBA squads in the first round of the 2024 postseason. What's the latest on the injuries? How have these teams changed since their regular-season meetings ended in early January? Who's got the edge? Plus: Predictions and more on Oshkosh, Wisconsin, native Tyrese Haliburton and his budding stardom in Indianapolis.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Apr 19, 202441 min