Skip to main content
Bucks Zone

The Milwaukee Bucks are Not the NBA's Worst Team

Even in a transition year, how can the common consensus be this negative?
Austin Dobbins|
May 6, 2026; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst (left) and co-owner Jimmy Haslam (right) introduce new head coach Taylor Jenkins (center) at a press conference at Milwaukee Art Museum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
May 6, 2026; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst (left) and co-owner Jimmy Haslam (right) introduce new head coach Taylor Jenkins (center) at a press conference at Milwaukee Art Museum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In this story:

Milwaukee Bucks

Change is scary. And for the Milwaukee Bucks' they are moving into a completely new era. After trading away franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo, and firing Doc Rivers, the Milwaukee Bucks have no current face of the franchise, and an unfamiliar face on the sidelines in Taylor Jenkins.

But while change is scary, it is also exciting, it is different, and Milwaukee fans have plenty to be excited about when it comes to this season. They should field a fairly competitive basketball team, there is a lot of young talent, potential trade pieces, and many more story lines.

But if you asked the greater NBA media, the Milwaukee Bucks are the NBA's worst team.

In a recent power ranking released by the Athletic, the Bucks were ranked dead last in the association, in ESPN's latest article, the Bucks were 14th in the East, which is at least better than last. But the 25 win projection doesn't sit right with me.

The Young Bucks Promise

R
Apr 14, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks player Ryan Rollins throws out a first pitch prior to the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The roster is certainly intriguing. Ryan Rollins showed flashes last season of developing into a long-term starting guard, while Kel'el Ware has the potential to become one of the league's better two-way centers. Milwaukee also added three high-upside prospects in first-round picks Nate Ament, Brayden Burries, and Kasparas Jakučionis (Miami's first last year), giving the Bucks several young pieces to build around.

Now let's look beyond those young guys. The Bucks get a three-level scorer in Tyler Herro who will bring 20+ points a night to Milwaukee's offense. Herro is in a contract season playing in his home town with a lot to prove. The Bucks also added ferocious finisher Jaime Jaquez Jr. to stabilize the bench unit as he was last years 6th man of the year runner up. A player who will have a fine career should he add a three-point presence.

Ousmane Dieng, Kevin Porter Jr. so much more, it's a season to be excited about.

Milwaukee finished 32-50 last season, and while replacing a player of Giannis Antetokounmpo's caliber is impossible, it isn't unreasonable to believe this group could match, or even slightly surpass, that win total. Improved health, internal development, and a full season of experience for the young core could give the Bucks a chance to take another step forward.

Comparing to Others

Mata
Jul 24, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls player Matas Buzelis throws out a ceremonial pitch before the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When examining this, we also have to look at the landscape of the league. While the Bucks have a talented roster, only 5 players are on the floor at a time, making Taylor Jenkins job quite difficult this season. That said internal competition should drive success and development.

The Nets- Even after adding Julius Randle to their young core, this is one team that the Milwaukee Bucks are certainly better than.

The Bulls- The Bulls are a team I group into the same tier as Milwaukee. New coach, a talented player in Josh Giddey, they added a solid scorer in Norman Powell, they drafted Caleb Wilson, and they have Matas Buzelis. But they are another team that lacks star power, they need to rely on growth and development.

The rest of the East is likely better than Milwaukee but the Bucks can certianly compete.

Sacramento, Memphis, and New Orleans- Sacramento and Memphis are relying on a young, young core and are starting from ground 0. The Pelicans, don't have a direction making it quite difficult to put them ahead of any talented squad. The Bucks have a better mix of high level talent and young pieces, allowing me to rank them higher.

This is a list of 5 teams that Milwaukee should easily be ranked ahead of in almost every ranking, but as Milwaukee fans know, that's not the case. The Bucks are in a transitional year, but it is one filled with intriguing storylines and positional battles.

With Taylor Jenkins development history and the chips on the Bucks shoulder, the Milwaukee Bucks shouldn't be overlooked.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Published
Austin Dobbins
AUSTIN DOBBINS

Austin also writes for the Five Reasons Sports Network, covering all South Florida sports. As a current athlete, Austin specializes in in-depth analysis, player profiles, combining on-field knowledge with strong storytelling to cover football, basketball, and beyond. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Business Management at Webber International University.

Home/News