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This story is part of ESPN The Magazines Oct. 31 NBA Preview Issue. Subscribe today!Cincinnati BengalsOverall: 59 Title track: 75 Ownership: 57 Coaching: 74 Players: 57 Fan relations: 98 Affordability: 58 Stadium experience: 95 Bang for the buck: 11 Change from last year: +28The Bengals have steadily gained more respect over the years as they continue to post winning seasons, as seen by a 28-point jump in these standings. These are not the losing Bengals of the 90s anymore; they win, and they win often. But until they can prove they can do it in the postseason too, theyll likely remain in the middle of the franchise rankings.Whats goodDespite five straight playoff berths, the Bengals continue to remain one of the most affordable tickets in the league. Their average ticket price last season was around $71, cheaper than all but eight teams in the NFL. (Added bonus: A $5 beer is the cheapest in the league.) They also hold training camp at their facility, meaning fans in Cincinnati can see them for free in the summer. For a team that has consistently put together winning seasons, its one of the best value buys a fan could get.Whats badFans say the stadium -- ranked 95th in the Ultimate Standings -- has little character and feels like an ode to concrete. Although it was built in 2000, its been quickly passed up with 14 new stadiums built since then (and No. 15, the Falcons new stadium, on the way) and now feels a little dated in some ways. Theres hope for 2017, though: Last year, the Bengals put $20 million in improvements into their stadium, including new HD video screens, and this year added a field-level bar that faces the Bengals locker room.Whats newThe Bengals ownership preaches loyalty and consistency -- theyve stuck with coach Marvin Lewis for 14 seasons -- and so far that has paid off. The team rarely brings in splashy free agents, instead choosing to build through the draft, selecting future Pro Bowlers A.J. Green, Tyler Eifert, Andy Dalton, Geno Atkins, Vontaze Burfict, Carlos Dunlap and Andrew Whitworth. The Bengals havent been able to translate that to success in the postseason yet, but theyve quietly become one of the leagues most consistent and stable franchises. Fans havent missed that: They gave the Bengals owners a 38-spot bump this year.Next: Tampa Bay Buccaneers?| Full rankings Fake Stars Jerseys . The Masters champion and winner of last weeks Australian PGA has a three-round total of 14-under 199 at Royal Melbourne. "Im in a really good position for tomorrow," Scott said. Stars Jerseys 2021 . 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MILWAUKEE -- Giannis Antetokounmpo has a new contract extension and likely a lot more responsibility once the Milwaukee Bucks open the season.The athletic, 6-foot-11 matchup nightmare will start with a full season as a full-time ball-handler. Its the latest step forward for a fourth-year player who has come a long way from the raw 19-year-old rookie from Greece picked 15th overall by the Bucks in 2013.Since Giannis has arrived, he has done everything he can possibly do to become the best player he could become, general manager John Hammond said. We have full faith and confidence in Giannis (that its) not going to stop.Antetokounmpo averaged 16.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists last season. He really took off after the All-Star break when coach Jason Kidd had him take over running the offense.Antetokounmpo finished with five triple-doubles over the seasons final two months. The Bucks rewarded him in September with a four-year extension worth $100 million.The young forward has grown up in Milwaukee, where Hammond even taught him how to drive a few years back. Antetokounmpo and fellow forward Jabari Parker have shown that they have the maturity to handle the spotlight of being franchise cornerstones.Parker, who is in the third year of his rookie deal, figures to get an extension a year from now.The thing we focus on is just to win. We win games, everything else will take care of itself, Antetokounmpo said.Parker is well-spoken and passionate about social justice issues. He is focused and intense, but quieter than Antetokounmpo in front of the microphones after a game.Antetokounmpo alternates between smiles and scowls on the floor. Hes always up for a laugh, just like at his first preseason meeting with reporters in September when he cracked this knock-knock joke:Whos there? reporters answered.Obama, Antetokounmpo said, referring to the President.Obama who?Oh by myself, replied Antetokounmpo in song, to the tune of the Eric Carmen ballad, All by Myself .Other story lines and things to watch this year in Milwaukee:MIDDLETON DOWNThe Bucks hopes of a playoff berth took a hhit when starting shooting guard Khris a href(equals)https://apnews.ddddddddddddcom/989fa2eba...monthsMiddleton tore his left hamstring/a during a workout on Sept. 20, just hours after Antetokounmpo signed his extension. The teams leading scorer, Middleton (18.2 points) has blossomed into an all-around player. He could be back by mid-March, with a month left in the regular season for a potential playoff push.OUTSIDE SHOTOutside shooting was a weakness last year, and that was with Middleton in the lineup. The Bucks hope new additions Matthew Dellavedova (39.8 percent 3-point shooting), Mirza Teletovic (41.2 percent) and Tony Snell (35.1 percent) hit from behind the arc to create more space for Antetokounmpo and Parker to make plays around the basket.DEFENSE RETURNSKidd wants to revert back to the defense that his team played in 2014-15, when the Bucks allowed 97.4 points per game and allowed opponents to shoot 43.7 percent. Milwaukee allowed 103.2 points on 45.4 percent shooting last year. The Bucks length and athleticism can create problems for opponents on both ends of the floor.TO THE POINTAntetokounmpo might handle the ball up the floor, but he probably wont be guarding opposing point guards. Thats where Dellavedova, who was with Cleveland last year, becomes an important piece. Entering his 17th season, guard Jason Terry is on the roster to provide veteran guidance.IN THE PAINTThe Bucks have three big men with distinct skill sets to play in the paint. Miles Plumlee returned to Milwaukee as a restricted free agent on a four-year, $52 million deal. Kidd likes the energy and hustle that Plumlee provides. John Henson has a lefty hook shot but is better known for defense. Greg Monroe is more of a back-to-the-basket scorer, but could be on the trade block. Kidd plans to continue to adjust according to situation and matchups.---Follow Genaro Armas at: https://twitter.com/GArmasAP ' ' '