The Milwaukee Bucks are on a path to redemption in 2025-26. It will be a journey filled with major questions and high-stakes gambles. Following a turbulent 2024-25 season, which included a third consecutive first-round playoff exit, the franchise has undergone a significant roster overhaul, signaling a fresh start and a renewed commitment to competing for another championship.
The biggest move of the offseason was the release of Damian Lillard, who will miss the entire 2025-26 season with a torn Achilles injury. This move, along with the departures of long-time core players Pat Connaughton and Brook Lopez, has fundamentally reshaped the roster.
The Bucks' front office has prioritized surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo with a new supporting cast, most notably signing free agent center Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers. There are some key factors (gambles) that will determine the Milwaukee Bucks' path to redemption.
The new-look roster and chemistry
It is no secret that the Milwaukee Bucks' overall key to success hinges on how well the new pieces, especially Myles Turner, and to a certain degree, Kyle Kuzma, fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks Hope Turner can be a younger, more athletic version of Brook Lopez. His ability to space the floor, protect the rim, and thrive in pick-and-roll situations should be a perfect complement to Giannis' powerful driving game.
Kyle Kumza's new role should be to provide a versatile bench scoring and rebounding option, which did not fill the void left by Khris Middleton at the trade deadline last season. While he's had an up-and-down career, including a half-season with the Bucks, the team is betting on him to bounce back and provide consistent production.
The point guard question
With Damian Lillard gone, the Bucks' starting point guard position will be an open competition. The battle for the starting spot will likely be between Kevin Porter Jr., Cole Anthony and Ryan Rollins. The Bucks will desperately need one of these three players to step up and prove they can be a reliable floor general.
Both Porter and Rollins showed plenty of upside and promise last season, which should carry over into this upcoming season. The chemistry they both developed with Giannis Antetokounmpo last season is a promising sign.
Doc Rivers and a refocused coaching staff
Doc Rivers will be entering his second full season as the Bucks' head coach. He has assembled a highly experienced staff, which includes associate head coach Darvin Ham, whom the players love. The key for Rivers this upcoming season will be to establish a new defensive identity and find an offensive system that maximizes the talents of Giannis and the newly overhauled roster, especially center Myles Turner.
Gone from the staff is Joe Prunty. Greg Buckner will need to do a better job as the de facto defensive coordinator. The coaching staff will need to prioritize consistency and stability on both ends of the floor, as both were highly lacking last season.
Giannis Antetekounmpo's expanded role
With Lillard out of the picture, Giannis will likely take on an even greater offensive burden, as there is no real true second scoring option on the roster now. There has been speculation that he could be headed for a triple-double-averaging season, taking on more playmaking and ball-handling duties and responsibilities.
Being a point-forward/center is a huge load and will take a physical toll on him, but the success of the team will directly correlate with his ability to stay healthy and perform at an MVP level, as he enters his 13th season.
The eastern conference landscape
The Eastern Conference remains highly competitive, although it appears to be wide open entering the 2025-26 season. The Boston Celtics are still a formidable force, even without Jayson Tatum. The Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and defending conference champion Indiana Pacers all made significant strides last season and will still be the teams to beat.
The Milwaukee Bucks will need to navigate a very tough conference schedule. Their ability to secure a top seed will be crucial for a deep playoff run.
The 2025-26 season is a pivotal one for the Milwaukee Bucks. The front office has made bold moves, and the new-look roster has the potential to be a championship contender. The path to redemption is clear - establish a new team identity, unlock the potential of the new acquisitions, and rely on Giannis to lead the way. If all the pieces fall into place, the Bucks could find themselves back on the NBA's biggest stage.