The Milwaukee Bucks are not mentioned in the title race after two straight first-round playoff exits. Giannis Antetokounmpo is still one of the best players in the world, but he has not been healthy when the games matter most. Milwaukee has plenty of firepower but must find role players to be a serious contender.
They improved their depth this offseason by signing Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright on minimum contracts. All three were bargains, but Trent Jr. is just two years removed from averaging over 18 points per game on a playoff team. Every team is searching for wing help, and he could be the best signing of the offseason.
Milwaukee does not need a ton of offensive production from the 25-year-old. The franchise must try to get him to buy into a needed role if they want to challenge the NBA's best.
Bucks need Gary Trent Jr. to become a 3-and-D wing
Malik Beasley filled this role last season. He shot 41.3 percent from 3-point range, but his subpar defense forced the Bucks to make a change in the playoff. It was ultimately Patrick Beverley starting, but the 36-year-old struggled. Milwaukee was without Giannis and had a veteran guard who signed overseas this offseason in the backcourt.
Trent Jr. is a career 38.6 percent 3-point shooter with more size than Beverley. The Bucks cannot expect him to be in contention to make an All-Defensive team, but the 6’5 wing is a superior defender to Beasley. Trent Jr. finished 65th in the NBA with 2.5 defensive win shares in 2022.
Milwaukee certainly needs a perimeter stopper in the backcourt next to Damian Lillard. Giannis and Brook Lopez will lock down the paint, and the Bucks' success under Mike Budenholzer was built on defense. The franchise was in the top ten in defensive rating in four of Bud’s five seasons in charge before slipping to 19th in 2024.
Milwaukee needed a personnel upgrade. Wright, Prince, and Trent Jr. give them more depth and versatility on the defensive end. Coach Rivers has a full training camp and should improve the scheme. Trent Jr. is the most likely to join the Bucks starting five, and they need him to buy into guarding the opposition’s primary ball-handler every night.
The 6’5 wing will hit open shots and the Bucks should give him more opportunities. Teams will be selling out to stop Dame and Giannis. Milwaukee can go five out, and coach Rivers helped Joel Embiid win MVP in 2023. The franchise will have plenty of offense, but Trent Jr. buying into and excelling in an ancillary scoring role will help them on both ends.
The Milwaukee Bucks want to win a championship in 2025. Gary Trent Jr. must become a key rotation piece and fill a 3-and-D role for them to make that a reality. They also need better health and chemistry this season. The Bucks have the talent, but can they put it all together? Stay tuned to find out.