Early predictions for the NBA 2025-26 season are slowly coming in and the one taking a huge hits are the Milwaukee Bucks. Will the team be enough to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy? That’s just one of the questions they will face this season and some analysts have opinions that their fans would hate to read.
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Mar 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) sits on the bench during a time out against the Orlando Magic in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
ESPN released its early forecast for the new season, including their guess on who will have the worst drop off. They labeled the Bucks as the team that will face turmoil, getting 41 votes in total.
They are followed by the Los Angeles Lakers (32 points) and the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns who both got 28 points.
The Bucks made the biggest move compared to these three teams but ESPN’s panel of voters are not impressed with what they did. The suspect? Lack of a second star.
“The two-time MVP has shouldered massive tasks before, but getting this roster into contention without a clear second star will require, perhaps, his most herculean effort,” Jamal Collier wrote.
“Milwaukee began last season 2-8, then found a way to rally and make the playoffs before exiting in the first round. Will the Bucks have the patience and confidence to bounce back if they get off to a slow start again this season?”
Myles Turner, Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks
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
The Bucks let go of Damian Lillard who won’t be able to play for a season anyway and signed Myles Turner.
For reference, Milwaukee won the 2021 NBA championship without an All-Star in that same season. Khris Middleton was an All-Star in 2020.
Giannis Antetokounmpo as star who will request a trade
The panel also voted on which superstar will likely request a trade and Zion Williamson got the most votes. Antetokounmpo placed second.
This is no news. Media members have been fixated with the Greek Freak’s supposed dissatisfaction with the team since 2021.
His teammate Bobby Portis already cleared that he bleeds green. The best counter to the rumors is Antetokounmpo himself who recently said that he wants to spend his entire career in Wisconsin.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks
Dec 27, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) slaps hands with forward Bobby Portis (9) during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Antetokounmpo and the people close to him, as well as the people he closely work with, already debunked rumors of him looking for a new team but some insiders claim nothing is set in stone when it comes to relationship between him and his team.
These analysts’ main argument is that Antetokounmpo will eventually look for a team where he can win his second title but general manager Jon Horst suggests he and his superstar are on the same page when it comes to their summer activities. This includes re-signing the sharpshooters they had from last season and had success playing alongside Giannis.
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