The 2025-26 NBA season isn't over yet for the Milwaukee Bucks, but their hopes of making any noise were crushed long ago. Now, the focus is on simply running out the clock, but in the process, they are also giving their young players more time to develop while also positioning themselves to land one of the top 10 picks in this upcoming draft. That means something long-term.
Bucks horrific season has hidden long-term benefits
When the season ends, the Milwaukee Bucks will inevitably endure some major changes to the roster. These past few weeks have given them an opportunity to evaluate players who could be part of their long-term future. Pieces such as Ousmane Dieng, Pete Nance, and even Cormac Ryan, who might not typically play as much or at all, have all taken the opportunity by the horns.
Dieng, in particular, has proven that he belongs. While he's had his struggles in this stretch, this is his first legitimate NBA opportunity as a consistent contributor. Despite the slump, he's remained intent on proving that he can contribute at this level, and his 36-point, 10-assist, seven-rebound explosion against the Houston Rockets recently certainly showed that.
In the process, the Milwaukee Bucks haven't been winning many games, which is not surprising due to most of their typical cogs being out of the lineup. With the losses piling up, the Bucks will be in an incredibly rare position they haven't had to think about in a long time: picking top 10 in this upcoming NBA Draft. With a pick like that, they could land an impact piece who could help them bounce back.
Of course, with all of the losing going on Milwaukee, it feels likely that this team could seek a change at the head coaching spot this summer. While not all of Milwaukee's issues fall on Doc Rivers, he has not been the shining light they hoped for. With the ship rapidly sinking since his arrival, this could be the year they finally part with Rivers and open a widespread coaching search.
Lost season could set Bucks up for major bounce back
With a few changes, the Milwaukee Bucks could very well rebound from what has been an ugly year.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's future will obviously be the biggest factor, but if he does return, this team could surround him with developed young contributors, a stellar draft pick from a loaded class, and someone who would almost certainly be an upgrade over Rivers. Even if Giannis leaves, they still get the draft pick and developed young players alongside what should be an elite trade return.
No one is saying the Milwaukee Bucks will reclaim their spot in the title-contending conversation right off the bat next season. However, they are at least setting themselves up for a better future than what these last two and a half seasons have been. At this point, Bucks fans are trying to fast forward into the offseason to get the ball rolling on changes.
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