Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst expressed confidence that one of the team’s new free agent signings could have a big season in 2025-26.
Thus far, beyond re-signing most of their own free agents, the Bucks have brought in 3-and-D ex-Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner and ex-Orlando Magic guards Cole Anthony and Gary Harris.
Milwaukee has lost two key contributors from its 48-34 run last year. In free agency, aging center Brook Lopez inked a two-year, $18 million deal to back up Ivica Zubac on his hometown L.A. Clippers. More critically, the Bucks depleted their backcourt, stretching-and-waiving nine-time All-Star point guard Damian Lillard’s remaining $112.6 million contract to make cap room for Turner.
The absence of Lillard, who tore his Achilles tendon and will miss all of 2025-26 rehabbing, necessitated some new backcourt help. Harris may be far past his prime, but the 25-year-old Anthony offers some intrigue.
Lillard, meanwhile, signed a three-season, $42 million deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Bucks general manager Jon Horst recently told Eric Nehm of The Athletic that he believes Anthony is on the precipice of a breakout season next year.
1-on-1 with Jon Horst, Part 2
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— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) July 18, 2025
“The idea on Cole is — and you can see a theme — there’s another 24, 25-year-old guard. He just turned 25 in May,” Horst offered. “Cole’s an electric scorer. Two years ago, he was in the running for NBA Sixth Man of the Year. In our system, in our metrics, he’s performed like a kind of starter, key reserve at different points in his young career.”
Anthony will compete for minutes with re-signed young point guards Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins.
“He’s electric with the ball, a very capable shooter,” Horst raved. “I think he can be one of the guys that you’ve seen year in and year out come into our system and get a higher dose of better shot quality because of playing with Giannis and playing in our system and improve as a shooter. I think he could have a huge shooting year, which would be massive for him and us. And he’s just got an edge to him.”
Last season with Orlando, Anthony averaged 9.4 points while slashing .424/.353/.823, along with 3.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks per bout.
Horst believes that playing alongside nine-time All-NBA superstar power forward and under the tutelage of title-winning coach Doc Rivers will do wonders for unlocking Anthony’s play.
“He’s capable of winning a game by himself any given night. And I think he’ll grow in our system having less possession-by-possession pressure on him playing with Giannis and playing in Doc’s system and Doc having been a point guard and being able to mentor him the way he has with Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins,” Horst said. “I think he could have a huge year for us and if he does, it will be a great decision for him and a great decision for us.”
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