Projected Bucks depth chart, starting lineup and rotation entering 2024 preseason

The Milwaukee Bucks' projected starting five

Before acquiring Trent, there were questions about how Milwaukee's starting lineup would shake out in 2024-25. Now, with him in the fold, it's almost a guarantee that the Bucks will utilize a starting group of Lillard, Trent, Middleton, Antetokounmpo and Lopez when they are at full strength. On paper, this is one of the best starting lineups this team has had in a long time.

Lillard and Trent, reuniting after a prior stint in Portland, will be a lethal shooting backcourt, which will free things up mightily down low for Antetokounmpo. There are questions about how they will hold up defensively, as neither are well-known defenders, but if they can at least be competitive on that side of things, it would help this lineup flourish.

Middleton will be penciled in as the first small forward if healthy. It's been reported that he underwent procedures on both of his ankles this off-season, which is certainly worrisome, given his recent injury history, but he is expected to be ready by the start of the season. If he does need more time to return to form, expect Taurean Prince to take his spot as the starting small forward temporarily.

There won't be any controversy in saying Antetokounmpo and Lopez will be the final two starters for the Milwaukee Bucks. Like last year, they'll be tasked with carrying a bulk of the load defensively, but with the sheer amount of offensive weapons in this lineup, they can focus more on that side of things than ever before.