Magic Johnson. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Magic Johnson anoints Bucks as new Eastern Conference favorites

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 9/27/23

The Milwaukee Bucks have created one of the best duos in the NBA. On Wednesday, the Bucks acquired Damian Lillard in a three-team deal. The Bucks now have some elite talent at the top end of their roster. However, Milwaukee's depth appears to be rather thin.

Nevertheless, former Los Angeles Lakers All-Star guard Magic Johnson believes Milwaukee has catapulted to the top of the Eastern Conference. In a recent post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Johnson anointed Milwaukee as the favorite in the East.

What a blockbuster NBA trade! Damian Lillard is heading to the Milwaukee Bucks, making them the favorite in the Eastern Conference.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 27, 2023

The Bucks have an aging roster. Khris Middleton has struggled for health and productivity over the past two seasons. Lillard is entering his age-33 season. Adding Lillard to Milwaukee's rotation isn't a guarantee of success.

Yet, a pairing of Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo is a fearsome prospect. There are multiple ways Milwaukee could utilize their new star pairing. And there are very few ways an NBA defense can account for both players at the same time.

Nevertheless, the Bucks will face stiff competition from the Boston Celtics after they made a big move earlier this summer. While Milwaukee's roster is top-heavy, Boston's is among the deepest in the NBA.

The two franchises are expected to be the best teams in the East in the upcoming season. A showdown is inevitable. It will most likely occur in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Johnson's proclamation is logical. It is also likely to be correct. However, Milwaukee will need to round out their roster and figure out how to get the best out of their new star duo if they want to contend for a championship in 2024.

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