3 Lineup combinations that could dictate Milwaukee Bucks' success in 2024-25

Small ball

Lillard, Trent, Middleton, Prince and Antetokounmpo.

Small-ball really hasn't been as useful of a weapon as it should be for the Milwaukee Bucks over these past few years.

Since letting P.J. Tucker walk following the conclusion of their 2021 title run, the front office has spent years searching for their ideal small-ball power forward to replace him and get the best out of lineups with Giannis Antetokounmpo at center. As hard as management has tried, they've just come up short again and again. Perhaps the addition of Taurean Prince will mark a turning point.

To be an adequate small-ball power forward, said player must be able to defend multiple positions, hit 3-pointers consistently and make this team as versatile as possible. The 6-foot-6 Prince checks off all of those boxes, as he's always taken on tough defensive matchups of all shapes and sizes and has shot 37.6 percent on his career triples. Prince fits well alongside the other four featured in this lineup.

As a whole, the shooting in this lineup is also tremendous. With Antetokounmpo driving to the hoop, defenses will collapse on him, and he'll have four reliable threats waiting on the perimeter. Lillard and Trent are one of the best shooting backcourts in the NBA, Middleton is a marksman in his own right, and teams certainly cannot leave Prince wide open. It's a pick-your-poison situation for defenses.

One particular team small-ball will be incredibly useful against is the Boston Celtics. When they utilize Kristaps Porzingis at center, the Bucks can throw out Antetokounmpo over Lopez to be more mobile and stick with him on the perimeter. Meanwhile, Taurean Prince can take on one of Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown defensively, switching between them if necessary.

These five should see plenty of time together this coming season, especially in key moments.