There's been plenty of talk about how the Milwaukee Bucks are built around Giannis Antetokounmpo heading into the 2025-26 NBA season. Mostly, it's been doubt. Plenty of fans and analysts think that it would take a new level Herculean effort from Giannis for this team to see any success. ESPN analyst Tim Bontemps is perhaps the loudest voice, sharing his doubt on an episode of the Hoop Collective.
"In any game Giannis doesn't play, they've got a bottom five, six roster in the league. And he's not playing 82 games."
Bucks' supporting cast can't let Giannis do it all
It will certainly be a new-look Milwaukee Bucks roster this coming season. For the first time in a long time, there isn't a clear-cut second option or likely All-Star, though one could make the case that the NBA's new All-Star format will give Myles Turner a chance. Even then, there's no Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, or Khris Middleton type of big-name player.
Instead of relying on star power and big names, the Milwaukee Bucks have built their roster around depth and role players who aren't one-trick ponies. Though it might not look as appealing on paper, that is the new route teams are taking in the NBA. The days of Big 3s or dynamic duos taking home titles are over. The Bucks simply got with the times to maximize their contending chances.
It's not a perfect roster, but there is a lot to like after the offseason modifications.
Myles Turner, the big fish signing, gives Milwaukee a younger, athletic upgrade over Brook Lopez. Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, and Cole Anthony are all rising young guards who can give a spark on both sides of the court. Gary Trent Jr. and AJ Green are arguably the best shooting duo out there. Bobby Portis is still Bobby Portis, AKA one of the best sixth men in the NBA.
The most pressing question, and a spot one could argue is a glaring weak point, is the small forward lineup. Taurean Prince, Chris Livingston, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and Kyle Kuzma, if the Bucks will play him out of position, make up a group of question marks. Signing Amir Coffey to standard deal would help, but Milwaukee is only currently slated to have him for training camp.
Giannis will remain the engine that makes this team go, but his teammates must take pressure off him to make sure he doesn't get burnt out. Players like Porter, Portis, and Turner must take some of the scoring load off his shoulder. Any of the point guards must show they can hold down the offense when Giannis sits. Everyone must play stout defense.
It's a lot to ask, but if the Milwaukee Bucks want to see any success, they must prove Bontempts wrong and show that this isn't a bottom five or six roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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