The Milwaukee Bucks enter the 2025–26 NBA season facing an unfamiliar reality without Giannis Antetokounmpo, turning to a revamped roster and a new head coach after a turbulent 32-win campaign. Acquired in the blockbuster trade that sent the two-time MVP to the Miami Heat, guard Tyler Herro acknowledged the outside skepticism surrounding the franchise’s immediate competitive outlook.
Tyler Herro Addresses Low Expectations Following Giannis Trade
“The people think that we won’t win, that we’ll never be mentioned in the discussions concerning winners,” Herro stated regarding the external consensus. “It’s all the contrary of what we think. We want to win.”
Antetokounmpo spent seven consecutive seasons finishing in the top five of regular-season MVP voting, anchoring a championship run in 2021 and regular-season title squads in 2018–19, 2019–20, and 2022–23. Injuries restricted him to just 36 appearances last season, during which mounting tension with the front office regarding his playing status preceded a dismal 32-win finish and a first-round playoff absence. Doc Rivers stepped down as head coach immediately after the season, leaving Taylor Jenkins to take over as the fourth head coach in Milwaukee over a five-year span.
Taylor Jenkins Focuses on Identity Rather Than Win Totals
Rather than projecting win totals for his debut season in Milwaukee, Jenkins has prioritized collective competitiveness and foundational development. Jenkins compiled a 250–214 record with the Memphis Grizzlies between 2019 and 2025 before taking the helm.
“We are fully invested in setting up the next great era of basketball in Milwaukee,” Jenkins said. “It’s an ambition shared by the entire organization.”
The roster overhaul brought in significant young talent alongside Herro, including Jaime Jaquez, Kel’el Ware, and Kasparas Jakučionis via the Miami trade. Veteran center Myles Turner stepped into a leadership role during the offseason, hosting teammates at his home in Austin, Texas, to foster early chemistry. Turner emphasized that Jenkins is actively installing a disciplined approach across the locker room.
“Wanting to win is one thing,” Turner stated. “Doing what it takes to win is another. That is what we are focusing our efforts on this year.”
Locker Room Chemistry Shifts After a Fractured Previous Season
Veteran forward Kyle Kuzma pointed to internal finger-pointing as a primary culprit behind the team’s collapse last year, noting that the negative dynamic ultimately derailed their competitiveness.
“We blamed each other a lot last year,” Kuzma said. “It’s a good recipe for things to fall apart. This year, the dynamic is good.”
Herro, who grew up in the Milwaukee area, enters the final year of his contract and is slated for unrestricted free agency at the conclusion of the upcoming campaign. The revamped Bucks squad is scheduled to tip off the regular season on October 21 against the Washington Wizards.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New-Look Bucks
Who joined Milwaukee in the trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami?
The trade brought Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez, Kel’el Ware, and Kasparas Jakučionis to the Bucks organization.
How many games did Giannis Antetokounmpo play last season?
Injuries limited the former MVP to just 36 games during a turbulent 32-win campaign for Milwaukee.
Who is the new head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks?
Taylor Jenkins took over as head coach, signing on after posting a 250–214 record with the Memphis Grizzlies from 2019 to 2025.
When do the Bucks begin their regular season?
Milwaukee opens the 2025–26 regular season on October 21 with a matchup against the Washington Wizards in Washington.
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