Biggest X-factor for each Milwaukee Bucks player in 2024-25

After one of their best offseasons in years, the Milwaukee Bucks are ready to hit the hardwood and compete for another NBA Championship.

From top to bottom, they have an incredibly talented roster, which should give them an excellent shot at doing so. As always, there are X-factors that could make or break Milwaukee's chances of reaching the promised land once again. Each and every player on this Milwaukee Bucks roster has a particular quality that could make things much easier for this team, but it could also doom them.

With that said, let us highlight the X-factor for all 15 of Milwaukee's standard players.

AJ Johnson - Growth

Nobody should expect 19-year-old AJ Johnson to see many minutes for the Milwaukee Bucks this coming year. The rookie will primarily serve as a spectator, and he must grow as a player he spends so much of his time around players like Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Improving his game and sharpening his skills in practice could set him up for big things down the line.

Tyler Smith - Growth

Much of what was said about Johnson can be said about fellow 2024 draftee Tyler Smith. He won't be playing much this coming year, but if he works hard and soaks up everything like a sponge, the young forward could set himself up nicely for more minutes eventually. Operating in a frontcourt room with the likes of Giannis, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis should help him grow mightily.

MarJon Beauchamp - Defense

It's make-or-break time for third-year wing MarJon Beauchamp. The Bucks drafted him because they needed an athletic wing to help them defensively, and Beauchamp has shown in glimpses that he can do that, but not consistently. If he wants to stick around, he'll have to showcase that he can indeed be an impact defender by taking on tough matchups, which will allow him to get more on the court.