The Milwaukee Bucks are heading into the 2025-26 season with a different look. After a disappointing early playoff exit and major roster changes, including the departure of star guard Damian Lillard, the team is no longer widely seen as a top contender in the Eastern Conference. However, this new chapter brings plenty of intrigue and important questions that will shape their entire season.
The team’s success will ultimately depend on how they answer these key challenges. Can superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo carry an even heavier load? Who will fill the scoring and playmaking gaps left behind? And how will new and existing players step up to support their leader? Let’s take a closer look at what lies ahead for the Bucks.
💪 How Much More Can Giannis Do?
Giannis Antetokounmpo has consistently delivered historic performances, averaging over 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists in his last two seasons—a statistical feat no other player has achieved while shooting above 60%. But with Damian Lillard gone, the Bucks may need even more from him. Newcomer Myles Turner will certainly help on offense, but his career-best scoring average is significantly lower than what Lillard provided. The team will need a group effort to replace Lillard’s points and his team-leading 7.1 assists per game. Giannis will likely take on more of these duties, and this season will test the limits of what one superstar can truly handle.
🤔 Adjusting to Life After Lillard
While Damian Lillard’s time in Milwaukee didn’t end with a championship, his impact on offense was clear. He averaged over 24 points and 7 assists, helping keep the team’s offense among the league’s best. The main challenge was that the team’s defense often struggled when Giannis was resting and Lillard was leading the court. With his departure, the Bucks not only lose a major scorer and playmaker but also face the tough task of building a new team identity. Finding a way to create consistent offense while maintaining defensive stability will be crucial.
🛡️ What to Expect from Myles Turner
Myles Turner arrives in Milwaukee with a unique and valuable skill set. He is a two-time NBA blocks leader and an excellent 3-point shooter for his size, making over 39% of his long-range attempts last season. The Bucks will likely use him in a role similar to their former center, Brook Lopez: protecting the basket on defense and spacing the floor with his shooting on offense to create driving lanes for Giannis. However, there’s a key difference. Lopez was never expected to be the team’s second-leading scorer. Turner may need to deliver a top-tier defensive performance while also scoring more than ever before, which is a significant challenge.
📈 Can Kyle Kuzma Find His Rhythm?
After joining the Bucks in a mid-season trade, Kyle Kuzma struggled to fit in. His scoring and rebounding numbers dropped, and he had a very difficult time in the playoffs, where his playing time was reduced in a key elimination game. This season offers a fresh start and a big opportunity. With Lillard and Lopez no longer on the roster, there are many more shots and scoring chances available. For the Bucks to succeed, they’ll need Kuzma to return to form and become a reliable and consistent contributor on offense.
📋 What Lineups Will Doc Rivers Use?
Last season, coach Doc Rivers experimented with different lineups but struggled to find a consistently effective combination. The starting five he used after the All-Star break had some success but often featured players in less-than-ideal positions. As the playoffs progressed, Rivers seemed to lose confidence in some of these lineups. Now, with a reshaped roster, he must figure out the best combinations to maximize the team’s strengths. His strategic decisions on who starts and who plays in key moments will be critical to the Bucks’ performance this season.
