The National Basketball Association is just over a week away, and it is once again time to preview every NBA franchise. I will be covering the teams in the Eastern Conference and my colleague, Joel Beatton, will feature teams in the Western Conference. Today we are featuring the Milwaukee Bucks.
Key Acquisitions
On July 20, the Bucks signed shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. of Columbus, Ohio to a one-year contract worth $2.6 million. Trent Jr. is joining his third National Basketball Association franchise. He previously played three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers from 2018 to 2021, and the last four seasons with the Toronto Raptors from 2021 to 2024. In Milwaukee, Trent Jr. is projected to be part of the starting five.
This past season, Trent Jr. averaged 13.7 points per game, 2.6 rebounds per game, 1.7 assists per game, and 1.1 steals per game. He had a field goal percentage of .426, three-point percentage of .393, and a free throw percentage of .771.
The Bucks also signed two reserve players. They signed guard Delon Wright of Los Angeles, California on July 7, and forward Taurean Prince of San Marcos, Texas on July 9.
Fantasy Stars
Giannis Antetokounmopo of Athens, Greece is ranked second among power forwards (only behind Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers) and fifth among centers. This past season, Antetokounmpo averaged a double double, as he had 30.4 points per game, 11.5 rebounds per game, 6.5 assists per game, 1.2 steals per game, and 1.1 blocks per game. He also had a field goal percentage of .611, three point percentage of .274, and a rather poor free throw percentage of .657.
Projected Finish
Led by Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are expected to win the Central Division, and contend with the Boston Celtics (and possibly the New York Knicks) for the number one spot in the East. Last year the Bucks had a record of 49 wins and 33 losses. Expect them to be near 50 wins again this year.
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