Bucks Aim to Reclaim Title with New Roster Strategy

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Milwaukee Bucks are set to tip-off their NBA season on Oct. 22, aiming to maximize their potential after a roster overhaul. Over the past five years, only the Denver Nuggets have maintained a superstar player making 35% of the salary cap while still competing at a high level. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokić is leading the Nuggets as they prepare for another season.

Since winning their title in 2021, the Bucks have faced challenges. The team won 109 games between 2021 and 2023, featuring stars Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, yet only advanced to the second round of the playoffs once. In contrast, the Nuggets shed salaries after their title in 2023 and have since advanced in consecutive playoffs.

Bucks General Manager Jon Horst, whose contract was extended in April, is focused on reversing this trend. The decision to waive Damian Lillard and stretch his $112 million contract over five years reshaped Milwaukee’s roster for the better. This marked the largest stretched contract in NBA history, but it sacrificed nearly 15% of the team’s salary cap.

The Bucks’ current roster is younger, more athletic, and the least expensive since the 2019-20 season. Head coach Doc Rivers believes they have the assets to compete effectively. “If you have it, you go for it – period,” he said, emphasizing the team’s determination to capitalize on their strengths. “I think this is a team that has it and has a chance at it.”

Horst highlighted their “third window” for winning, noting the team’s sustained success since 2018-19. This includes a previous team configuration led by stars Eric Bledsoe, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Khris Middleton that fell short in 2019 and a championship in 2021. “We’re trying to navigate that,” Horst said.

Horst pointed out that pivotal players, like Myles Turner and A.J. Green, have contracts extending beyond Antetokounmpo’s two team-controlled seasons. He expressed confidence that the current roster can stretch their winning window for the next two years. “We have the best player in the world and an incredible supporting cast,” he said.

The Bucks’ preparations coincide with a historic season for the Milwaukee Brewers, who were swept in the National League Championship Series, losing in a memorable Game 4 featuring home runs by Shohei Ohtani. Rivers shared his thoughts on the Brewers’ season, acknowledging the unique circumstances of their loss. “There’s not a lot you can say,” he added.

As the Bucks prepare to begin their season, both Rivers and manager Dave Roberts are eager to reconnect. “If we’re going to golf, we need to actually set a time,” Rivers joked, hinting at the busy schedules ahead. The Bucks open their NBA campaign on Oct. 22, while the Dodgers start the World Series on Oct. 24, further complicating their plans.

Rivers and Roberts, sharing the nickname “Doc,” recall the stories behind it that date back to their early careers. As both teams gear up for their respective seasons, each coach hopes for success on the court.