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MILWAUKEE (AP) – The Milwaukee Bucks are ushering in a new era after the offseason trade of franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was dealt to the Miami Heat. The team finished last season with a 32-50 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years. Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, played a career-low 36 games due to injury, and his departure leaves a significant void in the roster.
Taylor Jenkins takes over as head coach, marking his first season with the Bucks and his seventh overall as an NBA head coach. He brings a career record of 250-214 and faces the challenge of integrating a host of new players while instilling a culture focused on effort and good habits rather than immediate wins.
The Bucks will open their season on October 21 at Washington. Departing alongside Antetokounmpo is forward Bobby Portis. The team has added several new faces: forwards Nate Ament and Jaime Jaquez Jr., guards Brayden Burries, Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakuionis, Caris LeVert, and center Kelel Ware.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The backcourt appears to be a position of strength, with the additions of Herro and Burries joining returners Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. Herro is a 2025 All-Star, Burries was a lottery pick, and Rollins finished fifth in Most Improved Player voting last season. Porter, despite playing only 38 games, led the team with 7.4 assists per game and was second in scoring at 17.4 points per contest. Managing playing time among these guards will be a key task for Jenkins.
However, the roster lacks star power without Antetokounmpo. Herro is the only player who has been an All-Star, and the frontcourt is thin. The Bucks need center Myles Turner to regain his form after a disappointing first season in Milwaukee, where he averaged career lows of 5.3 rebounds and 11.3 points per game.
Players to Watch
Rookie Brayden Burries, the No. 10 overall pick, impressed in Summer League and could be a long-term building block. The former Heat players acquired in the Antetokounmpo trade—Herro, Jakuionis, Jaquez, and Ware—are all worth monitoring. Herro is on an expiring contract, and Jaquez could become a restricted free agent, so the Bucks must soon decide if they are part of the future. Ware, a 22-year-old 7-footer, showed flashes in Miami and should get more opportunities in Milwaukee. Jakuionis, just 20, has promising long-range potential.
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Originally reported by tmj4.