Projecting Milwaukee Bucks' Rotation Following Free Agency

Forbes

4 days ago

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 24: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks puts his hands on his ... More knees during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at PHX Arena on March 24, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by)
The Milwaukee Bucks worked to keep key pieces in place this offseason while making a few targeted additions. Their hope is to finally get over the postseason hump and advance past the first round for the first time since 2022.
Whether they can pull that off remains to be seen. With more roster turnover and a new identity forming, the Bucks head into 2025-26 facing longer odds than they have in any Giannis Antetokounmpo-led season since he reached MVP form back in 2018-19.
Before we skip ahead to what might happen in May, let's take stock of what we know now. Here's a projection of Milwaukee's rotation following the major moves of the offseason.
Offseason Recap
Point Guard Rotation
With Antetokounmpo expected to take on even more ball-handling and playmaking duties this season, the Bucks' point guard depth becomes more about fit than labels. Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, and Cole Anthony all bring something different to the table—but there likely won't be consistent room for all three in the nightly rotation.
Rollins brings solid perimeter defense and a reliable jumper. Starting him makes sense if the Bucks want a steady, low-usage guard who can complement Giannis without needing the ball in his hands.
That allows Porter Jr. to serve as a spark plug off the bench, where he can lead the second unit, control pace, and create offense. He might finish games even if he doesn't start them. Cole Anthony rounds things out as a bench scorer who can play spot minutes.
Shooting Guard Rotation
Milwaukee is a bit thin when it comes to true three-and-D wings, but they've got plenty of capable shooting guards. AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr. are both sharpshooters who bring different types of floor spacing—Green's quick release and Trent's ability to hit off movement.
Ideally, the Bucks stagger them throughout the game, possibly starting both alongside Rollins. That would give Milwaukee three shooters to space the floor around Antetokounmpo while keeping enough athleticism and defensive punch to hold their own.
Small Forward Rotation
This is where the Bucks' rotation gets tricky. A lot of the minutes here will come from sliding up shooting guards and sliding down power forwards. That's good news for guys like Gary Trent Jr., Kyle Kuzma, and Taurean Prince, who can all play the three in certain matchups.
Ideally, Trent Jr. starts here, giving the Bucks another shooter on the wing. Prince and Kuzma will split backup minutes at the position—both are better suited for power forward, but Antetokounmpo will dominate those minutes, forcing them to find time elsewhere.
Power Forward Rotation
This is Giannis' house. The former MVP will take nearly all available minutes at power forward unless the Bucks start experimenting with him at center.
Kuzma and Portis will grab some spot minutes here, particularly in non-Giannis lineups. That said, this position is mostly locked down.
Center Rotation
Myles Turner was Milwaukee's biggest swing in free agency, and he's locked in as the starter at center. He averaged 30 minutes per game last year with Indiana, but Doc Rivers is expected to push that number to 32 or more—similar to what Brook Lopez averaged under his watch.
Portis will serve as the backup five and get all of the minutes Turner doesn't play. Giannis-at-center lineups are intriguing, but the Bucks have rarely gone that direction outside of emergencies. Until Rivers shows otherwise, we'll stick with a traditional two-man center rotation.