A Look at the Potential 12-Man Rotation for the Milwaukee Bucks This Upcoming Season: Can They Truly Contend in the East?

The Milwaukee Bucks are heading into the upcoming NBA season with renewed urgency, a refined roster, and one ultimate goal: winning another championship while Giannis Antetokounmpo is still in his prime. The disappointment of their early playoff exits in recent years—especially last season’s fall to the Indiana Pacers—has triggered internal reflection and subtle roster reshuffling. Now under head coach Doc Rivers for a full season, the Bucks appear set to make another title run. But to do that, they’ll need cohesion, health, and a defined rotation.

Here’s a closer look at what their potential 12-man rotation could look like and whether it’s built to take down Eastern Conference contenders like the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers.

Starting Five

1. Damian Lillard – Point Guard
There’s no sugarcoating it—Lillard’s first year in Milwaukee was a mixed bag. He struggled at times to find rhythm in the half-court-heavy system and later dealt with injuries that hampered his postseason performance. But when he’s healthy, Lillard is still one of the league’s most dynamic scorers. His deep shooting and clutch gene are undeniable, and he’ll benefit from a full offseason of chemistry-building with Giannis and under Rivers’ system. Expect a more fluid version of Dame Time this year.

2. Malik Beasley – Shooting Guard
Beasley, who recently re-signed, figures to reprise his role as the starting two-guard after a surprisingly solid campaign where he led the Bucks in three-point shooting percentage. His quick trigger from deep and floor-spacing abilities are critical in opening up driving lanes for Giannis and Dame. While Beasley is not a plus defender, Milwaukee is banking on his offense outweighing his deficiencies.

3. Khris Middleton – Small Forward
Middleton is arguably the Bucks’ biggest X-factor. Injuries have slowed him down over the past two seasons, but when healthy, he remains one of the most efficient three-level scorers in the game. The Bucks will be cautious with his minutes early on, but a healthy Middleton in the playoffs can be the difference between a second-round exit and a Finals appearance. His ability to operate as a secondary playmaker and hit clutch shots is still highly valued.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Power Forward
The Greek Freak is the franchise, the engine, and the foundation. Giannis enters this season after yet another dominant campaign, averaging over 30 points and double-digit rebounds while shooting efficiently. He’ll likely see more time at center in smaller lineups, but as the starting four, Giannis is poised for another MVP-caliber season. The Bucks’ ceiling remains tied to his health and dominance on both ends.

5. Brook Lopez – Center
Lopez remains one of the most underrated defenders in the league and is the anchor of Milwaukee’s paint protection. Despite his age, he had a resurgent season last year, finishing among league leaders in blocks. His ability to space the floor with his three-point shooting also gives the Bucks one of the league’s most versatile frontcourts. The Bucks may manage his minutes during the regular season, but come playoff time, Lopez’s role will be critical.

Bench Rotation

6. Bobby Portis – Power Forward/Center
Portis continues to be the emotional leader and sixth man of this Bucks squad. He brings fire, physicality, and a mid-range shooting game that can change the tempo off the bench. While he can be a defensive liability against quicker lineups, his offensive rebounding and scoring punch make him indispensable. Portis will again be counted on for instant energy and points when the starters need a breather.

7. Pat Connaughton – Shooting Guard/Small Forward
Connaughton had an inconsistent season last year, but his hustle, perimeter defense, and ability to hit timely threes still earn him rotation minutes. He’s a trusted voice in the locker room and a favorite among coaches for his versatility. Connaughton is also a capable rebounder for his size, often securing key boards late in games. He’ll likely serve as a utility wing in different lineup configurations.

8. MarJon Beauchamp – Small Forward
The Bucks are hopeful that Beauchamp makes a second-year leap. His athleticism, length, and defensive upside are real, and there were flashes last season that suggested he could develop into a 3-and-D cornerstone. This year is pivotal for Beauchamp’s growth, especially if Milwaukee wants to reduce the mileage on their veterans during the regular season. If he can shoot consistently, he might steal major minutes.

9. A.J. Green – Shooting Guard
Green’s sharpshooting ability has earned him consideration as a deep rotation piece. While he’s not a lockdown defender or primary ball-handler, his movement without the ball and ability to hit shots off screens make him a potential microwave scorer. Don’t be surprised if he finds a role similar to that of Duncan Robinson—used situationally but with impactful spacing.

10. Andre Jackson Jr. – Guard/Forward
Jackson is still raw offensively, but defensively, he’s a disruptor. His motor, length, and versatility allow him to guard multiple positions. If he can improve as a slasher and secondary ball-handler, he could sneak into the regular rotation as a defensive specialist. Milwaukee’s coaching staff is excited about his ceiling, and he’s the type of athlete the Bucks haven’t had in recent years.

11. Delon Wright – Point Guard
Newly signed Delon Wright gives the Bucks a reliable veteran backup point guard, something they sorely lacked last season behind Lillard. Wright can handle the ball, defend at a high level, and hit open threes. He’s also capable of initiating offense and slowing the game down in the half-court. His presence will be a calming one, especially when Lillard is off the floor.

12. Thanasis Antetokounmpo – Forward
While Thanasis won’t play heavy minutes, he’s a fixture in the Bucks’ culture. His energy, leadership, and locker room presence are invaluable. Don’t expect major statistical contributions, but his hustle plays and sideline enthusiasm help keep team morale high. And yes, Giannis still enjoys having his brother along for the ride.

Coaching and System Outlook

Doc Rivers will have his fingerprints all over this team in Year 2. His arrival midseason left little time to install a new system, but now he’ll have the chance to put his full philosophy into play. Rivers is known for defensive structure and establishing hierarchy in rotations. He’ll likely try to use Giannis in more dynamic pick-and-roll sets, while enabling Lillard to work off-ball more frequently. Defensively, Rivers will continue emphasizing drop coverage with Lopez and zone flexibility with the wings.

The pressure will be on Rivers to deliver, especially with championship expectations. He’s been to the mountaintop before, but his postseason record in recent years has been shaky. Milwaukee’s front office is betting he can get the most out of a veteran-heavy roster that doesn’t have a massive championship window left.

Can They Contend in the East?

Absolutely—but with caveats. The Bucks’ starting five is among the most talented in the NBA. Giannis and Lillard, when healthy and in rhythm, are capable of dismantling any defense. Middleton remains a key playoff closer, and the depth around them has improved, especially with the additions of Delon Wright and the development of younger wings like Beauchamp and Jackson.

However, health remains the team’s Achilles heel. Giannis and Middleton have dealt with injuries over the past two seasons, and Lillard isn’t getting younger. If Milwaukee enters the playoffs fully healthy, they can beat anyone—including Boston. But that’s a big “if.”

The Celtics, meanwhile, have the younger core and arguably more depth and cohesion. New York is surging. Philly is unpredictable, but dangerous. Cleveland and Indiana are gaining momentum. Milwaukee has to be better defensively, particularly in closing out games, something they failed to do repeatedly last year.

The Bucks will need to manage minutes wisely, prioritize player health, and tighten their late-game execution to make it back to the NBA Finals. Their margin for error has narrowed, but their top-end talent still gives them a fighting chance in the East.

In short, the Bucks can absolutely contend—but the time to strike is now. The rotation is deep, the stakes are high, and Giannis isn’t waiting forever.