The Milwaukee Bucks concluded the 2025 NBA preseason with a 3-1 record. Their only loss came via the defending champion OKC Thunder. While there were highs and lows, the Bucks managed to get a good look at their roster from top to bottom, testing out several schemes and seeing who fits where. That said, let's highlight some studs and duds from these four games.
Stud - Doc Rivers
Last season, it was far too late before Doc Rivers realized starting AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr. on the wing was his best bet. In the preseason, he wasted no time at all, doing it from the jump. It's quite the change compared to how he operated last season. In turn, Milwaukee's defense looked crisp, and the offense flowed smoothly, with everyone looking comfortable in this new fast-paced system.
Stud - AJ Green
Sticking with AJ Green, he looked like he was built for a starting role in the preseason. He already had plenty of confidence as a shooter last year, but he cranked it up a notch. During his four appearances, he averaged 11.3 points while shooting 46.2 percent from deep on 6.5 tries per game. He still fouled a bit too much on the defensive end, but he looked dedicated on that end. He's due for a big season.
Dud - Bobby Portis
Fresh off a contract extension this offseason, Bobby Portis had a rough go of it in the NBA preseason. The big man averaged just 6.8 points while shooting 34.6 percent from the floor and 28.6 percent on his 3-pointers to go with 3.8 rebounds per game. That type of production won't cut it, especially from 3-point land. The Bucks want to be a great perimeter shooting squad, and Portis must do his part.
Dud - Gary Harris
Bucks fans haven't been sold on the Gary Harris signing from the jump, and he didn't do much to calm those concerns in Summer League. In limited action, Harris averaged just 2.5 points while knocking in 25 percent of his shot attempts. He missed time due to a hamstring issue, and there's no telling if that will carry over into the regular season.
Stud - Cole Anthony
It took little to no time for Cole Anthony to endear himself to Milwaukee Bucks fans. From the second he got to town, he has completely embraced his heightened defensive role in addition to being relied on as a second-unit scorer and playmaker. He sure looked great in the preseason finale, where he poured in 21 points off the bench. Anthony could very well be this team's greatest X-factor.
Stud - Ryan Rollins
After introducing himself to the NBA world last year, Ryan Rollins seems destined for an even bigger breakout this season. He served as a Swiss Army Knife, finishing tied for third in points per game at 11 while shooting 56.7 percent from the floor and 50 percent from three. He also brought his brand of physical, hard-nosed defense that Milwaukee needs. He and Anthony should be a great tandem.
Stud - Myles Turner
The new man in town didn't play a significant role, averaging 18.4 minutes across three games, but he made the most of his time. Milwaukee needs him to be a floor spacer on one end and a shot-blocker on the other, and he looked the part in preseason, shooting 55.6 percent from deep and tallying 1.3 blocks per game on the other. His athleticism and versatility were on full display.
Dud - Amir Coffey
There was a lot of chatter about Amir Coffey soon after the Milwaukee Bucks signed him, but it faded once the preseason began. It's tough to make an impression in 11.4 minutes per contest, but still, the forward didn't dazzle like many fans thought he would. Now, his future with the franchise is uncertain due to his deal only running through camp and the preseason.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.