NBA Notes: Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Hawks, Jalen Johnson, Cavs

Bucks

This season has slid sideways fast in Milwaukee, and the backdrop is impossible to ignore, ESPN writes in its midseason report card. Giannis Antetokounmpo questions are back, whether the organization likes it or not.

Yes, Giannis missed 14 games. Yes, the Bucks went 3-11 without him. That matters. But what matters more is that even with Antetokounmpo on the floor, Milwaukee has still been outscored. That is the bigger red flag.

The rotation has been thin, inconsistent, and too reliant on players who simply are not producing at a playoff level. There is no obvious trade deadline fix that suddenly turns this into a contender.

At this point, the Bucks are fighting just to stay in the play-in picture, not talking about winning a series. For a team built around a generational star, that is a tough place to be.

Hawks

Atlanta is hoping this grade (D-minus) looks harsh only because the timing was awkward.

The Trae Young era ended with a thud. The Hawks went 2-7 in the nine games Young played before being dealt, then immediately looked more stable without him. That alone says plenty.

It is too early to judge the long-term impact of CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, but one thing is clear: Jalen Johnson is ready. He has stepped into the lead offensive role and produced across the board when Young has been out.

The record still lags behind expectations, but at least the Hawks now have clarity. That is something they did not have before.

Cavaliers

This one is jarring.

Only Oklahoma City entered the season with a higher projected win total than Cleveland, and here the Cavs are, scrambling to stay in the top half of the East.

Injuries explain some of it. Darius Garland missed time early and has not quite looked right since returning from toe surgery. Max Strus was sidelined for a long stretch.

Even so, the Cavs have had very little continuity. They have played just 11 games with their preferred starters available, excluding Strus, and while 7-4 is respectable, it is not dominant.

The Cavs should be better in the second half. But after finishing first in the East a year ago, the reality is they are now battling just to secure home court in round one. That is a significant step back.