The Milwaukee Bucks entered the 2025-26 NBA season facing a period of unprecedented transition. After a decade of being perennial championship contenders in the Eastern Conference, the organization shifted its focus toward a younger core following a challenging campaign that saw them finish with a 32-50 record, placing 11th in the East and missing the postseason. This roster reflects a significant departure from the 2021 championship squad, marked by the departure of several long-time veterans and the emergence of fresh talent tasked with revitalizing the franchise.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Remains the Focal Point

Despite the surrounding roster changes, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the undisputed centerpiece of the Milwaukee Bucks. However, his 2025-26 season was defined as much by his resilience as it was by his physical limitations. Throughout the campaign, Antetokounmpo dealt with persistent groin and calf strains that limited his total games played to 36.

When on the floor, his production remained elite. He averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. His efficiency from the field stayed high, but the heavy physical toll of carrying a transitioning roster became evident. The Bucks' management has prioritized his long-term health over short-term wins, often opting for a cautious approach to his rehabilitation. For fans and analysts, the primary concern remains how to build a functional defense around Giannis now that his traditional "twin tower" partner, Brook Lopez, has departed.

The Rise of Ryan Rollins

One of the most significant developments of the 2025-26 season has been the meteoric rise of Ryan Rollins. The 23-year-old guard, standing 6'3", has moved from a developmental project to a "key piece" of the Bucks' future. In a season where established stars were often sidelined, Rollins stepped into a primary ball-handling role and flourished.

In 68 games, Rollins averaged 16.9 points and 5.6 assists per game. His ability to create his own shot and his improved defensive lateral quickness made him a subject of significant trade interest around the league. However, the Bucks have signaled that he is a non-transferable asset. His chemistry with the younger wings on the team suggests that the "post-Lillard" era in Milwaukee will be defined by a faster, more guard-oriented offensive system.

Complete Milwaukee Bucks Player Roster and Stats

The following list details the active players who participated in the 2025-26 campaign, including those who were part of the 2025 training camp and subsequent regular-season roster moves.

Frontcourt Players (Forwards and Centers)

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo (#34): Forward | 6'11", 243 lbs. The leader of the team.
  • Myles Turner (#3): Center-Forward | 6'11", 250 lbs. Turner joined the Bucks to provide the rim protection and floor spacing lost after the departure of Brook Lopez. He averaged 12.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in 65 games.
  • Kyle Kuzma (#18): Forward | 6'8", 221 lbs. Acquired via trade from Washington, Kuzma served as a versatile secondary scorer, averaging 13.1 points and 4.5 rebounds.
  • Bobby Portis (#9): Forward | 6'9", 250 lbs. A fan favorite and a veteran presence, Portis continued to provide energy off the bench with 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
  • Taurean Prince (#12): Forward | 6'6", 218 lbs. A reliable 3-and-D veteran who played limited minutes but provided essential locker room leadership.
  • Tyler Smith (#21): Forward | 6'9", 220 lbs. A young prospect from the G League Ignite, Smith represents the "youth movement" in Milwaukee, focusing on development.
  • Chris Livingston (#24): Forward | 6'6", 213 lbs. Known for his defensive versatility and athleticism.
  • Ousmane Dieng (#21): Forward | 6'9", 185 lbs. A long, athletic forward from France who showed flashes of playmaking potential.
  • Thanasis Antetokounmpo (#43): Forward | 6'7", 219 lbs. A veteran who provides deep bench support and defensive intensity.
  • Pete Nance (#35): Forward | 6'9", 225 lbs. A mobile forward primarily used in rotational matchups.

Backcourt Players (Guards)

  • Ryan Rollins (#13): Guard | 6'3", 180 lbs. The breakout star of the season and the primary playmaker.
  • Kevin Porter Jr. (#7): Guard-Forward | 6'5", 203 lbs. Porter Jr. provided significant scoring punch, averaging 17.4 points and 7.4 assists, though his season was shortened to 38 games.
  • Gary Trent Jr. (#5): Guard | 6'5", 204 lbs. A specialist shooter who averaged 7.5 points per game.
  • Cam Thomas (#24): Guard | 6'3", 210 lbs. An explosive scorer who joined the roster to bolster the second-unit offense.
  • AJ Green (#20): Guard | 6'4", 190 lbs. A knockdown shooter who remains a vital part of the team's spacing strategy.
  • Gary Harris (#11): Guard | 6'4", 210 lbs. A veteran presence in the backcourt who provided perimeter defense.
  • Andre Jackson Jr. (#44): Guard | 6'6", 209 lbs. Known for his high-energy plays and rebounding from the guard position.
  • Cole Anthony (#50): Guard | 6'2", 198 lbs. A dynamic guard who joined for the 2025-26 season to add depth to the point guard rotation.
  • Cormac Ryan (#30): Guard | 6'5", 205 lbs. A rookie shooter looking to carve out a role in the rotation.
  • Jericho Sims (#00): Center-Forward | 6'10", 250 lbs. Providing depth in the paint and rebounding off the bench.

Major Roster Changes and Departures

The 2025-26 season cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the players who are no longer with the team. These departures marked the end of the "Championship Core" era.

The Damian Lillard Waive

In perhaps the most shocking move of the off-season, the Milwaukee Bucks waived Damian Lillard. After a tenure that saw flashes of brilliance but ended with a devastating Achilles injury during the 2024-25 playoffs, the Bucks and Lillard parted ways. Lillard eventually returned to the Portland Trail Blazers, though he spent the majority of the 2025-26 season rehabilitating.

The Khris Middleton Trade

Khris Middleton, a staple of Milwaukee basketball for over a decade, was traded to the Washington Wizards during the 2024-25 season. The deal brought back Kyle Kuzma, signaling the Bucks' intent to get younger and more versatile on the wings. Middleton's departure left a significant void in late-game shot-making that the team is still struggling to fill.

Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton

Brook Lopez, the defensive anchor for many years, signed with the Los Angeles Clippers as a free agent. His departure necessitated the acquisition of Myles Turner. Pat Connaughton was also traded to the Charlotte Hornets, removing another key piece of the 2021 championship rotation.

Coaching and Management Transition

The struggles of the 2025-26 season led to significant changes in the coaching staff. At the conclusion of the season, the head coach position was in a state of transition. While Doc Rivers led the team through much of the 2024-25 and early 2025-26 periods, the bench featured a rotating cast of experienced assistants:

  • Darvin Ham: Returning to Milwaukee as a lead assistant.
  • Dave Joerger: Providing tactical offensive support.
  • Vin Baker: Focused on player development, particularly with the frontcourt.
  • Greg Buckner and Rex Kalamian: Key defensive coordinators.

General Manager Jon Horst has remained at the helm, tasking himself with the difficult job of balancing a "win-now" mentality for Giannis with the long-term reality of a full roster rebuild.

Analysis of the Bucks' Current Direction

In our evaluation of the current roster, it is clear that Milwaukee is caught between two worlds. On one hand, you have a generational talent in Antetokounmpo who deserves to be in a title-contending environment. On the other, the roster features high-potential but unproven players like Ryan Rollins and Tyler Smith.

The 2025-26 season revealed a glaring weakness in interior defense. While Myles Turner is an excellent shot-blocker, the team missed the unique "wall" that Lopez and Giannis used to create. Offensively, the team has become more unpredictable. Without the structured pick-and-roll of Lillard and Antetokounmpo, the offense often relies on the individual brilliance of Kevin Porter Jr. or the transition scoring of Rollins.

For the Bucks to return to the playoffs in the 2026-27 season, they will need a healthy Giannis for at least 65 games and a definitive step forward from their young backcourt. The 2025-26 roster was a "bridge" roster—designed to shed salary and identify who among the youth can actually play at an NBA level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is the best player on the Milwaukee Bucks right now?

Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the team's best player and franchise cornerstone, despite dealing with injuries throughout the 2025-26 season.

Why did Damian Lillard leave the Bucks?

The Bucks waived Damian Lillard following an injury-plagued season and a disappointing playoff exit in 2025. He subsequently returned to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Is Khris Middleton still on the Bucks?

No, Khris Middleton was traded to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma during the 2024-25 season.

What was the Bucks' record in the 2025-26 season?

The Bucks finished the 2025-26 season with a 32-50 record, missing the NBA playoffs.

Who is the young guard to watch on the Bucks roster?

Ryan Rollins is the standout young player on the roster. He had a breakout 2025-26 season, averaging over 16 points per game and establishing himself as a future star.

Summary of the 2025-26 Milwaukee Bucks Season

The 2025-26 Milwaukee Bucks roster is a blend of veteran champions like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis and a new wave of talent led by Ryan Rollins and Myles Turner. While the season record was disappointing for fans accustomed to championship runs, the year served as a vital evaluation period. The departure of franchise legends like Middleton and Lillard has opened the door for a new identity to emerge in Milwaukee—one that is younger, faster, and built around the enduring greatness of the Greek Freak.