In the early stages of the offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks were one of the most talked-about teams in the NBA. Despite endless rumors and multiple big changes, they still remain a possible threat to contend in the Eastern Conference.
Earlier this week, the people at NBA.com did an updated power rankings for the Eastern Conference. The Bucks remain in the top half, slotting in at No. 6. They sit just ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers, while trailing teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons.
Despite having minimal financial flexibility or assets, the Bucks did manage to improve in some areas. Their biggest swing was acquiring Myles Turner in free agency, though it came at a steep cost. To make his deal work money-wise, the Bucks had to waive-and-stretch All-Star Damian Lillard. Aside from Turner, some of Milwaukee’s other additions include Cole Anthony and Journeyman Gary Harris.
The primary reason why the Bucks haven’t slipped much is the fact that they still have Giannis Antetokounmpo. Though there was a lot of chatter about him potentially wanting out, the two-time MVP never requested a change of scenery. Seeing that he is fresh off another MVP-level season, Giannis is still more than capable of keeping the Bucks in the playoff picture.
Giannis might be enough to keep them competitive, but Milwaukee has much bigger aspirations than that. If the Bucks are truly going to be a threat in the East, they’ll need the supporting cast to pull their weight. Especially Turner and Kyle Kuzma, who will have featured roles alongside Giannis.
With the East being wide open heading into 2026, Giannis and the new-look Bucks will attempt to pull off their first deep postseason run since they won the title.
