After an offseason full of surprising twists and turns, the Milwaukee Bucks have finalized their roster for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season. The group consists of 15 players on standard contracts as well as three on two-ways. Things are subject to change down the line once trade talks heat up, but for now, let's assess the current group.
Analyzing the new-look Milwaukee Bucks
Point guard: Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, Cole Anthony, Mark Sears (two-way)
Shooting guard: Gary Trent Jr., Andre Jackson Jr., Gary Harris
Small forward: AJ Green, Taurean Prince, Amir Coffey, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Alex Antetokounmpo (two-way)
Power forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyle Kuzma, Pete Nance (two-way)
Center: Myles Turner, Bobby Portis, Jericho Sims
The Milwaukee Bucks underwent major changes this offseason. Damian Lillard isn't running the show at point guard. Brook Lopez will no longer protect the hoop inside. Instead, Jon Horst decided it was finally time to tackle the team's need for a youth remodel head-on. After consistently being one of the oldest rosters in the NBA, it is shocking that 33-year-old Thanasis is the oldest player in town.
In addition to Lopez and Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks cut ties with both Chris Livingston and Tyler Smith, who were on last year's roster. While they would have fit in line with the youth movement, there simply wasn't room for them on this roster. Instead, the Bucks went with Andre Jackson Jr. and Amir Coffey, who are still young but boast more experience.
If there is one glaring question mark on the roster, it's the wing spot, a tale Bucks fans have known for years. While Green and Trent are expected to thrive in their roles, everyone else is a question mark. Prince got benched in the playoffs last year. Coffey wasn't even guaranteed to make the roster. Harris struggled in the preseason. Thanasis isn't playing a major role. Rivers didn't trust Jackson last season. It will be fascinating to see how Doc Rivers handles this particular spot.
Considering the Milwaukee Bucks entered the offseason without a single center on the roster, they did pretty well for themselves there. Turner takes the starting mantle from Brook Lopez, who is off on a new adventure with the LA Clippers. Bobby Portis and Jericho Sims return to provide support off the bench in very different ways. They have three quality big men who all fit with Giannis.
It's an interesting roster from top to bottom. Though not perfect, it gives them a better shot to fight against some of the other young, up-and-coming teams in the NBA.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.