It is always championship or nothing for the Milwaukee Bucks and their status for 2025-26 got some critics and analysts feeling skeptic. This will eventually affect their standing with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee Bucks, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Giannis Antetokounmpo
March 6, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes listed down the five most intriguing eventuality once the 2026 summer free agency comes and the Greek Freak got the second spot, next only to Lebron James of the Los Angeles Lakers. This should be expected given the fact that he is a franchise player who can change the trajectory of a team.
As for the Bucks, Hughes does not think their direction will change this season and they will remain a mid-table dweller. He wrote:
Barring a shocking over-performance, a roster led by Antetokounmpo and recently acquired center Myles Turner should keep the Bucks in the mushy middle of the East playoff race without any real shot at being better than that. For Giannis, a two-time MVP with a ring, that’s just not good enough.
Myles Turner, Damian Lillard
Jan 3, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Turner was acquired over the summer from fierce rivals Indiana Pacers. This was made possibly only by waiving All-Star Damian Lillard who would not be able to a 2025-26 season game anyway.
The Bucks are without an All-Star duo but they believe they got younger this time and thats what they need.
Milwaukee Bucks are not contenders
Hughes is just one of many voices saying the Bucks are not that great. That their roster did not improve.
Some NBA championship odds put them at 13th spot while others think they are only good enough for the play-in.
Giannis status depends largely on their ability to contended and unfortunately for them, according to Hughes, they will be disappointed again.
Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gets ready to play Indiana Pacers during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gets ready to play Indiana Pacers during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Despite valiant efforts, Milwaukee hasn’t built a title threat this season. The Bucks got their ring in 2021 and don’t seem capable of earning another with Giannis as the focal point. As that becomes clearer this season, trade chatter will intensify.
Although critics are skeptic, the energy from the front office and the coaching staff is the opposite. Doc Rivers believes the league is still wide open. For Jon Horst, he believes they got the right players to surround Antetokounmpo with.
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