The Milwaukee Bucks are gearing up for an exciting 2024-25 NBA regular season, and after a whirlwind of a preseason where the young players took center stage, fans are buzzing with anticipation about what head coach Doc Rivers' final rotation might look like.
Through four preseason games, Milwaukee's starters quickly re-established themselves as a force to be reckoned with around the association. But as quickly as the starters erected sizable leads, the bench units were often quick to relinquish them once opposing offenses went on a run.
The statistics back this up: According to NBA.com/stats, the Bucks were fifth in the league both in net rating (net plus-16.5) and offensive rating (94.7) during the first quarter minutes that their starters were able to play together through the first four games.
As fans saw, by the end of preseason, those numbers quickly devolved into a 27th-ranked offensive rating (69.1), 28th-ranked defensive rating (96.0), and league-worst net rating of net-minus 26.9 in the second half minutes that the Milwaukee Bucks bench played.
That statistic, in this writer's opinion, reveals a starting five that is prepared to compete but a bench unit that is still very much coming together.
This only means that Doc Rivers will have to be creative in how he mixes and matches the combinations of veterans and young players on the floor to maximize both winnability and player development. With new faces and some familiar ones stepping up, let’s dive into the potential lineup that could lead the Milwaukee Bucks to glory this year.
The Milwaukee Bucks' projected starting five:
The Bucks’ starting five is shaping up to be a formidable lineup. With Damian Lillard returning and looking to be in great shape, the offensive firepower has dramatically increased. Alongside him, Gary Trent Jr. is expected to take over at shooting guard, bringing his sharpshooting ability—he hit 38.5 percent of his triples last season—into the mix.
Taurean Prince is likely to fill in for Khris Middleton, whose playing time and training camp preparation have been mostly limited due to offseason ankle surgeries. Prince's versatility and defensive prowess will be crucial as he adapts to this new role. Meanwhile, the dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez will continue to anchor the frontcourt, providing both inside-out scoring, elite help-side defense, and rim protection.
• Point guard: Damian Lillard
• Shooting guard: Gary Trent Jr.
• Small forward: Taurean Prince
• Power forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo
• Center: Brook Lopez
The Bucks' bench is where things get interesting. With the preseason exhibition matches now over, time is running out for head coach Doc Rivers to decide what the second unit rotation should look like. Bobby Portis will likely be the first big off the bench, known for his energy and scoring ability. After him, Delon Wright could provide solid playmaking and defense as a backup point guard.
Pat Connaughton, who had a resurgence during preseason, averaging eight points, three rebounds and three assists in limited minutes, appears poised to reclaim his role as a reliable reserve. His experience and versatility make him a valuable asset in any lineup.
Milwaukee's bench rotation
This offseason, general manager Jon Horst reached deep into his bag of tricks and eked out extremely competent bench pieces on incredibly team-friendly deals while still managing to draft purposefully, ending up with two project pieces who directly address areas of concern for the Bucks.
• Point guard: Delon Wright
• Shooting guard: AJ Green
• Small forward: Pat Connaughton
• Power forward: Andre Jackson Jr.
•Center: Bobby Portis
While both AJ Green and Andre Jackson Jr. showed flashes of potential during Summer League play, their roles may be limited early on due to their inconsistency in preseason games. Green struggled with shooting (1-of-5 in his last game), while Jackson showcased athleticism but lacked scoring impact.
AJ Johnson is perhaps the biggest wildcard in the bench situation after what he's shown so far in this preseason and Summer League.
However, if they can find their rhythm, they could carve out significant minutes as the season progresses. Coach Doc Rivers has emphasized the importance of depth, so expect these young players to get opportunities throughout the season.
As the Bucks prepare for their regular-season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, fans are eager to see how this rotation will gel on the court. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising youngsters, Milwaukee is aiming not just for playoff contention but for a championship run.
The Milwaukee Bucks' rotation post-preseason looks promising with a blend of star power and depth that could make them one of the most exciting teams in the league this year. As they continue to fine-tune their lineup, one thing is clear: Bucks basketball is back, and they're ready to make some noise!
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.