The Milwaukee Bucks are heading into the 2025-26 NBA season with more questions swirling around their rotation than at any point in recent memory. The only certainty? Giannis Antetokounmpo, the perennial MVP candidate and face of the franchise, will be at the heart of everything they do. But this year, the Greek Freak is being asked to shoulder an even greater load—both as the team’s top scoring option and as its primary ball-handler. That’s a tall order, even for someone who just averaged a staggering 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game last season. Despite those gaudy numbers, Antetokounmpo finished just third in MVP voting, a testament to how high the bar has been set for him.
With Damian Lillard gone and no other All-NBA stars left to help carry the burden, the Bucks’ supporting cast will be under the microscope from opening night. The front office made a splash this offseason by signing Myles Turner—snatching the versatile big man away from Indiana after the Pacers miscalculated his market. Turner’s arrival is a game-changer for Milwaukee. Not only did he shoot a career-best 39.6 percent from deep last year, but his presence next to Antetokounmpo creates one of the league’s most intimidating two-way frontcourts. Turner’s ability to stretch the floor will open up driving lanes for Giannis and the rest of the Bucks’ attack, while his defensive mobility gives head coach Doc Rivers more options than ever before.
"He’s got a workable mid-range game and soft touch inside," said one analyst, highlighting Turner’s well-rounded offensive skill set. On defense, Turner’s quickness allows him to switch and hedge on ball screens, which will be a major asset as Rivers looks to tinker with his schemes.
But after Giannis and Turner, the rest of Milwaukee’s starting five is anything but settled. Doc Rivers faces some tough choices, especially in the backcourt and on the wings. At point guard, the battle is between Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins. Porter brings flash—a herky-jerky handle and the ability to create his own shot. He could take some of the scoring load off Antetokounmpo, but there’s a question of whether his instant-offense style is better suited for a bench role. Rollins, meanwhile, offers more floor spacing and defensive discipline. He enjoyed a mini breakout last year, posting 6.2 points, 1.9 assists, and 1.9 rebounds per game, and his off-ball play could make him a cleaner fit with the starters.
On the wings, the Bucks have three main options for two spots: A.J. Green, Gary Trent Jr., and Kyle Kuzma. Green and Trent Jr. started together in Milwaukee’s final playoff game against Indiana, giving Rivers a blend of shooting, athleticism, and perimeter defense. Kuzma, whose confidence took a hit during his previous stint with the Bucks, could thrive coming off the bench and matching up against second units. He’s at his best at power forward, and forcing him to play the three often exposes him against quicker opponents.
Rivers’ challenge will be to find the right mix of chemistry, fit, and role balance. "Starting doesn’t mean finishing," as one commentator put it, emphasizing that rotations will be fluid as the Bucks search for the optimal lineup combinations.
Here’s the starting five many expect to see on opening night: Ryan Rollins at point guard, A.J. Green at shooting guard, Gary Trent Jr. at small forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo at power forward, and Myles Turner at center. It’s a lineup that prioritizes shooting, defense, and versatility, but Rivers will need to be nimble as the season unfolds.
Amid all this uncertainty, the Bucks are also counting on some lower-profile additions to play pivotal roles—none more intriguing than Jericho Sims. Sims isn’t expected to replicate Giannis’s production (who could?), but he could be invaluable as a situational big man, giving Antetokounmpo a few precious minutes of rest each game. Even five minutes on the floor can mean the world when you’re trying to keep your superstar fresh for the grind of the regular season and, more importantly, the playoffs.
"Jericho Sims isn’t checking into a game and replicating what Giannis brings to the table. No one is expecting that. However, he can give the Milwaukee Bucks another big body who could take some minutes to give the Greek Freak a breather," one report noted. Sims is young, athletic, and energetic—a tough rebounder, a solid defender, and a lob threat who fits seamlessly with Milwaukee’s new-look roster. The Bucks have invested in Myles Turner and retained Bobby Portis to help shoulder some of the frontcourt load, but Sims offers a different kind of flexibility. He’s the classic "break glass in case of emergency" big man, but Rivers can’t afford to let him languish on the bench while Giannis is logging heavy minutes every night.
Managing Antetokounmpo’s workload will be a season-long balancing act for Rivers. The temptation will always be to ride the superstar, especially in tight games, but the Bucks know they can’t afford to burn him out before the playoffs. "Doc Rivers will be walking a tightrope with Giannis this season. He’ll need to play him hefty minutes to make sure Milwaukee remains competitive, but he also cannot play him too much to the point where the burden is extreme," analysts have warned.
The Bucks’ depth will be tested, especially with the departure of established stars like Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton at his peak, and Damian Lillard. The supporting cast—Turner, Portis, Green, Trent Jr., Rollins, Kuzma, Sims, and Porter Jr.—will need to step up in ways they haven’t before. Rivers will have to be creative, adjusting lineups and rotations on the fly, and not hesitating to make tough calls if things aren’t clicking.
What’s clear is that this is a new era for the Milwaukee Bucks. The days of relying on a Big Three are over. Now, it’s about maximizing the brilliance of Giannis Antetokounmpo while building a cohesive, resilient unit around him. The front office has made bold moves, and Rivers has the pieces to craft a contender—but it won’t be easy.
As the Bucks gear up for the new season, the spotlight will be on every decision Rivers makes, every minute Giannis plays, and every contribution from the supporting cast. The quest to keep Antetokounmpo fresh and Milwaukee competitive is underway—and the NBA world will be watching every step of the way.
