Milwaukee Bucks fans are entering the new NBA season with tempered expectations. According to The Athletic’s annual fan survey, which drew nearly 700 responses, more than half of respondents do not believe the team has enough talent to win a championship this year.
For the first time in the survey’s five-year history, a majority of fans expressed doubt about the Bucks’ title hopes. Just 46.9 percent said Milwaukee has a roster capable of winning the 2026 NBA Finals, while 53.1 percent disagreed. Confidence levels dropped even further when fans were asked directly about the team’s chances of capturing a championship. Only 18.8 percent claimed to feel either “somewhat confident” or “extremely confident,” the lowest figure ever recorded in the poll.
Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
That dip in optimism reflects the changes around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Unlike previous years, he no longer shares the floor with a championship-tested core featuring Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez. Damian Lillard, who arrived with lofty expectations, is waived after tearing his Achilles during last year’s first-round playoff loss to Indiana.
General manager Jon Horst worked to rebuild around Giannis, most notably signing Myles Turner, and resigning Giannis’ brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo but fans appear unconvinced the roster stacks up against the East’s elite.
Expectations for the Bucks this season
Oct 11, 2019; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Milwaukee Bucks logo during the game between the Mavericks and the Bucks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2019; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Milwaukee Bucks logo during the game between the Mavericks and the Bucks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Still, expectations for a playoff berth remain high. 99 percent of respondents predicted the Bucks will return to the postseason, with most projecting the team to secure a third or fourth seed in the East. Very few fans foresee the Bucks slipping into the Play-In Tournament.
Survey results also revealed differing views on the organization’s leadership. While confidence in Horst remains relatively strong—83 percent of fans said they feel at least “somewhat confident” in his decision-making—sentiment toward head coach Doc Rivers has soured. Nearly two-thirds of respondents voiced skepticism about Rivers, who has overseen back-to-back first-round exits.
Mar 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers speaks to Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Mar 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers speaks to Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
If there is one constant, it is Antetokounmpo. Fans continue to rank him among the best players in the world, with 25 percent calling him the NBA’s very best. Nearly half believe he will spend his entire career in Milwaukee, despite ongoing trade speculation around the league.
As the Bucks prepare to open the 2025-26 season, the survey shows a fan base caught between trust in its superstar and unease about the supporting cast. For Milwaukee, the challenge is clear: prove to its own fans that this roster can contend while Giannis remains in his prime.