The Milwaukee Bucks enter the 2024-25 season with a sense of unfinished business after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign. Despite being one of the favorites to win the NBA championship, the Bucks struggled with injuries and instability, including a midseason coaching change that saw Adrian Griffin fired and Doc Rivers hired.
They finished 3rd in the Eastern Conference with a 49-33 record, but their season ended in disappointment as they were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in six games in the first round of the playoffs. Both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard missed critical games in the postseason, severely impacting the Bucks' chances. This season, the Bucks will look to stay healthy and build better chemistry between their two superstars as they aim to return to the top of the Eastern Conference.
Here’s a breakdown of their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Damian Lillard
Reserves: Delon Wright, AJ Johnson, Terence Davis, James Akinjo
Damian Lillard , one of the most clutch players in the league, joined the Bucks in a blockbuster trade before the 2023-24 season. Lillard had a solid season, averaging 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game while shooting 42.4% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range.
However, Lillard wasn’t at his usual explosive best, partly due to how the roster was constructed and partly due to injuries that limited his effectiveness. He got hurt early in the playoffs, which derailed the Bucks’ hopes for a deep run. Lillard will be motivated to bounce back and prove that he can lead this team alongside Giannis.
Delon Wright, a reliable backup point guard known for his defense and playmaking, provides depth behind Lillard. AJ Johnson, Terence Davis, and James Akinjo will add further depth, though their minutes may be limited as the Bucks lean heavily on Lillard.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Pat Connaughton
Reserves: AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr., Ryan Rollins
Pat Connaughton had a subpar season by his standards, averaging 5.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 43.5% from the field and 34.5% from beyond the arc. Connaughton has been a key role player for the Bucks over the years, but the team will need him to step up and provide more consistent scoring and defense in the backcourt.
AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr., and Ryan Rollins offer depth at shooting guard. Green, in particular, has shown promise as a floor spacer with his shooting, while Jackson Jr. brings athleticism and defense to the table.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Khris Middleton
Reserves: Gary Trent Jr., MarJon Beauchamp, Chris Livingston, Stanley Umude
Khris Middleton had a tough season, averaging 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 49.3% from the field and 38.1% from three-point range. Middleton was returning from injury and missed a significant portion of the season, and the Bucks need him to return to his pre-injury form.
When healthy, Middleton is an All-Star caliber player and one of the best second options in the league. His ability to score, defend, and facilitate will be critical for Milwaukee’s success this season.
The Bucks added Gary Trent Jr. as a solid backup option, bringing scoring, shooting, and perimeter defense. MarJon Beauchamp, a young prospect, will continue to develop and could see more minutes this season, while Chris Livingston and Stanley Umude provide additional depth on the wing.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Reserves: Taurean Prince, Tyler Smith, Liam Robbins
Giannis Antetokounmpo had another spectacular season, averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game while shooting an efficient 61.1% from the field. Giannis continues to be one of the most dominant forces in the NBA on both ends of the floor.
However, injuries have hampered him in back-to-back seasons, and he missed the playoffs last year due to injury. The key for the Bucks will be keeping Giannis healthy and finding a way to maximize his partnership with Lillard. If the two superstars can build strong chemistry, the Bucks will be one of the toughest teams to beat in the league.
Taurean Prince provides veteran leadership and three-point shooting off the bench, while Tyler Smith and Liam Robbins will compete for minutes in the frontcourt rotation.
Center (C)
Starter: Brook Lopez
Reserves: Bobby Portis, Anzejs Pasecniks
Brook Lopez remains a critical piece of the Bucks’ success, providing elite rim protection and floor spacing. Lopez averaged 12.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 48.5% from the field and 36.6% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor allows Giannis to operate in the paint, and his defense anchors Milwaukee’s interior. At 35 years old, Lopez is still playing at a high level and will be vital for the Bucks in the postseason.
Bobby Portis, one of the best sixth men in the league, averaged 13.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 50.8% from the field and 40.7% from three-point range. Portis brings energy, toughness, and scoring off the bench and can play both the center and power forward positions. Anzejs Pasecniks adds depth to the center position, though his minutes may be limited with Lopez and Portis ahead of him.
The Milwaukee Bucks have all the tools to be a championship contender this season, but their success will depend on a few key factors. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard need to stay healthy and build strong on-court chemistry, something that was hindered by injuries last season. If Lillard can return to his explosive self and Giannis remains the dominant force he’s been for years, the Bucks will have one of the most potent star duos in the NBA.
The health and play of Khris Middleton will also be crucial. Middleton has shown in the past that he can be a difference-maker in the playoffs, but his injury issues have slowed him down. If he can get back to his All-Star form, Milwaukee will be a legitimate threat to challenge the Boston Celtics and other top teams in the Eastern Conference.
With Brook Lopez anchoring the defense and shooters like Pat Connaughton and Gary Trent Jr. providing floor spacing, the Bucks have a balanced roster built for success. Under Doc Rivers, the Bucks will be hoping for a bounce-back season and a deep playoff run. If they can stay healthy and get the most out of their star-studded lineup, Milwaukee will once again be one of the top teams in the NBA.
Here are all the projected lineups we've done so far:
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2024-25 Indiana Pacers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Los Angeles Clippers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Los Angeles Lakers Projected Starting Lineup
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2024-25 Miami Heat Projected Starting Lineup
Related: 7 Reasons Why The Milwaukee Bucks Could Have Another Disappointing Season
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