The competitive balance between the Eastern and Western Conferences entering the 2025-26 season appears worlds apart from last season. Out West, even a Play-In team upsetting the top seed wouldn’t shock anyone, but the East remains top-heavy, with only a few squads seen as true threats. Despite not being the trendy choice among analysts, former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas believes the Milwaukee Bucks could emerge as the East’s ultimate sleeper team.
The former NBA guard not only thinks the Bucks’ roster is being overlooked, but he also believes their balanced mix of talent gives them the tools to go deep in the playoffs without depending entirely on Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Mar 28, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks bench looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
“You have Knicks and Cleveland going to be the top dogs right now. I’m not sold on Orlando…but the Bucks, with the lineup, with the roster, that they have with veterans, young guys, 1v1 players, flat-out shooters, Sixth Man…they have a full team of guys that can put the ball in the basket and defend.” Arenas said in his podcast Gil’s Arena.
"You have Knicks & Cleveland going to be top dogs right now … on paper [Bucks] should be Top 3 easy."@NoChillGilZero says that Milwaukee should be able to compete for an ECF this season. pic.twitter.com/NPvVczyuRO
— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) October 15, 2025
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re in the Eastern Conference (Finals). I mean, the way the landscape is…Miami, they’re not there like that. Boston? They’re not there like that. The team that ran them out of the building, Indiana? They’re not healthy…on paper, they (Bucks) should be Top Three,” the former NBA guard continued.
Are the Bucks actually better this season?
Oct 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Many fans think Milwaukee’s fate rests entirely on Giannis. If the two-time MVP puts up triple-doubles and leads in scoring night after night, the Bucks usually win. But Gilbert Arenas sees it differently.
He believes Milwaukee has quietly assembled one of the most complete rosters in the Eastern Conference. The lack of individual awards among their supporting cast, he argues, is the main reason their depth and balance haven’t received the attention they deserve.
From versatile guards like Cole Anthony and Kevin Porter Jr., who can generate offense and take on tough defensive assignments, to a seasoned big man like Myles Turner, who controls the paint with ease, Milwaukee’s roster offers balance on both ends.
Oct 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; The Milwaukee Bucks bench celebrates a three point shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Add in dependable 3-and-D options such as Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr., and Gary Harris, and it’s clear why Arenas sees plenty of reasons for optimism.
If the Bucks can stay healthy, strengthen their chemistry, and give Giannis enough support to perform freely without exhausting himself, they could be showing a new way to succeed in today’s NBA by emphasizing dependable role players instead of stacking superstar names.