How the Milwaukee Bucks Are Building Around Giannis Antetokounmpo for 2025-26 NBA Season (2025)

Buckle up, basketball fans—the Milwaukee Bucks are rolling the dice on a bold youth movement to supercharge Giannis Antetokounmpo's playmaking genius, but will this high-stakes strategy lead to championship glory or leave them scrambling? Dive in to uncover the team's ambitious overhaul and the buzz it’s generating in the NBA world.

Youthful Bucks Aim to Elevate Antetokounmpo's Playmaking Prowess

by The Associated Press

Fri, October 17th 2025 at 10:31 PM

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 04: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Fiserv Forum on January 04, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

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ADDITIONS: G Cole Anthony, F Amir Coffey, G Gary Harris, C Myles Turner

BetMGM Championship Odds: 55-1

What to expect

The Bucks are embracing a strategy of infusing youth and athleticism into their lineup, kicking off with the February swap of Khris Middleton to Washington and building on that by securing Turner during free agency, while parting ways with Lillard, who was set to sit out the 2025-26 campaign due to his Achilles tendon tear (for more on how such injuries are reshaping the NBA landscape, check out this related piece). The core plan revolves around giving the ball to Antetokounmpo as frequently as possible, enhancing his ability to create plays by packing the roster with sharpshooters. This tactic proved successful, as they clinched their final eight regular-season victories last year without Lillard, who was sidelined by deep vein thrombosis. During those games, Antetokounmpo dazzled with four triple-doubles— that's when a player gets double-digit stats in three of the five major categories like points, rebounds, and assists—in his last five outings. Players like Gary Trent Jr., AJ Green, and Taurean Prince stand to shine in this setup, having averaged 6.3 three-pointers per game as a group last season. And Turner? He's fresh off a personal best of 156 three-pointers in a single year, which, for beginners, highlights the growing importance of long-range shooting in modern basketball to stretch defenses and open up driving lanes.

But here's where it gets controversial— is this youth-first approach a genius masterstroke, or a risky experiment that could expose the Bucks to early-season struggles like the eight losses in their first 10 games last year? And this is the part most people miss: By prioritizing shooters around a dominant big man, the Bucks are betting on spacing and pace to let Antetokounmpo dominate, potentially turning him into an MVP contender once more. Fans, what do you think— does this style sacrifice too much defense for offense, or is it the evolution the NBA needs?

Strengths and weaknesses

The good: Antetokounmpo just wrapped up a stellar year, finishing second in scoring with 30.4 points per game, sixth in rebounds at 11.9, and 13th in assists at 6.5—stats that speak to his all-around brilliance. A quicker tempo should keep him fresh and in the hunt for his third MVP trophy, assuming injuries stay at bay. Last season, the Bucks topped the league in three-point accuracy at .387, though they were only 18th in attempts, meaning they hit what they shot but didn't pull the trigger enough. Coach Rivers is pushing for more threes to leverage that precision, creating easier opportunities inside. Turner, clocking in eight years younger than Lopez, brings elite rim defense and sharpshooting to the mix—think blocking shots near the basket while raining threes from outside, a versatile skill set that's increasingly valuable. Plus, they'll have Bobby Portis fully integrated after his 25-game suspension last year, stemming from an accidental mix-up with banned painkillers (Tramadol versus Toradol), allowing him to contribute his energy without interruption.

The not-so-good: Antetokounmpo stands as the sole All-Star on this squad, raising eyebrows about whether the supporting cast has the chops to match his stardom. With a sluggish 0-8 start in the first 10 games last season, a repeat could fuel whispers of Antetokounmpo seeking a trade. He's publicly committed, saying he's “locked in” with the Bucks (as detailed here), yet he added that changing his mind in six or seven months is just human nature (explored further here). Adapting to life without Lillard might be tough— the seven-time All-NBA guard delivered 24.9 points and 7.1 assists in just 58 games. Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma, acquired in the Middleton deal, hasn't found his groove in Milwaukee yet. For context, this highlights the challenge of roster chemistry: Sometimes, stars don't mesh instantly, leading to underperformance.

Now, the controversial twist—could this young, shoot-first team crumble under playoff pressure without battle-tested veterans? Many argue that experience trumps youth in high-stakes games, but others see it as a fresh wave of innovation. What say you in the comments: Is the Bucks' gamble on inexperience a recipe for disaster, or the spark they need to reignite?

Players to watch

At the heart of it all is Antetokounmpo, who snagged third in MVP voting last year— his blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking is the team's engine. The Bucks are pinning their hopes on Turner, the ex-Indiana Pacers center inked to a four-year, $108.9 million deal, to complement Giannis perfectly with his defensive prowess and shooting range. Role players will be key too; Kevin Porter Jr. impressed after joining at the deadline and now needs to elevate further. With the focus on threes, AJ Green could have a breakout season after nailing 42.7% from deep last year— imagine him as the perfect example of how a reliable outside shot can transform a team's offensive flow, creating open spaces for stars like Antetokounmpo.

As the season kicks off, one can't help but wonder: Will this youthful Bucks squad redefine success in Milwaukee, or will the lack of proven depth lead to regrets? Do you agree that surrounding a superstar with shooters is the future of basketball, or does it dilute the team's overall talent? Share your thoughts and debates in the comments—we'd love to hear your takes!