Can Giannis and Myles Turner Lead the New-Look Bucks to a Deep Playoff Run After Waiving Damian Lillard?
When the Milwaukee Bucks waived Damian Lillard ahead of the 2025–2026 NBA season, the shockwaves reverberated far beyond Wisconsin. After all, it had only been two seasons since Lillard arrived with championship hopes attached to his name and game. Now, with Lillard gone and Myles Turner stepping in as his replacement, questions loom about whether this new Bucks squad can seriously contend in a loaded Eastern Conference. It’s a pivot that has left fans baffled, frustrated, and curious. Can this roster, led by the indomitable Giannis Antetokounmpo and bolstered by Turner’s rim protection and floor spacing, truly make a deep postseason run?
On paper, Milwaukee’s move doesn’t scream championship. Swapping an elite scoring guard for a two-way big man seems, at first glance, like a regression. Damian Lillard, despite his age and injury concerns, brought gravity to the Bucks’ offense. He could bend defenses, hit clutch shots, and play alongside Giannis in a pick-and-roll nightmare for opponents. But the duo’s chemistry never reached the explosive levels fans had hoped for. The backcourt defense was a liability, and with the team underachieving in the playoffs, the front office decided to make a bold and controversial reset. Enter Myles Turner—a defensive anchor with the ability to stretch the floor, who now stands at the center of Milwaukee’s restructured identity.
The logic is clear even if the execution remains in question. Giannis is still Giannis. He’s the kind of franchise cornerstone who can carry a team into championship conversations all on his own. His physical dominance, relentless motor, and quiet leadership continue to be the foundation upon which the Bucks build. By pairing him with Turner, Milwaukee doubles down on defensive versatility and interior dominance. Turner, one of the league’s best shot-blockers, gives the Bucks a legitimate rim protector who doesn’t clog the paint. His ability to hit threes forces defenders to stay honest, opening lanes for Giannis to attack.
This new-look Bucks starting five is unconventional, but it’s not without talent. Kevin Porter Jr. now leads the offense from the point. He’s a volatile talent—electrifying when locked in, erratic when not. Porter’s ability to create off the dribble and hit tough shots gives the Bucks a guard with scoring upside, though he lacks Lillard’s veteran poise and big-game experience. Next to him is Gary Trent Jr., a streaky shooter and solid perimeter defender. While neither guard is an All-Star caliber player, both bring youth, athleticism, and a high ceiling if developed properly.
At small forward, Kyle Kuzma provides scoring punch and rebounding. He’s not a perfect fit, but he’s a capable wing who can create his own shot and swing between forward positions. Combined with Giannis at power forward and Turner at center, the Bucks have size, length, and a potentially dangerous defensive frontcourt. Giannis and Turner alone will make life difficult for opposing big men and slashers. The duo has the potential to form one of the most imposing defensive pairings in the league, a blend of power and finesse that could suffocate weaker offenses.
What remains uncertain is the team’s ability to generate offense consistently, particularly in the half-court. Without Lillard’s shot creation and threat from 30 feet out, defenses will collapse on Giannis again. That was the major reason Milwaukee originally sought a star like Lillard in the first place. Can Porter and Trent stretch the floor enough to keep defenses honest? Can Kuzma be a consistent third option when defenses swarm Giannis in the playoffs? If not, Milwaukee risks falling back into the same postseason struggles that plagued them before the Lillard experiment.
But this roster isn’t just about the starting five. The Bucks have quietly assembled one of the more intriguing benches in the league. Bobby Portis remains the team’s emotional engine—a tough, skilled forward who provides scoring and grit. Cole Anthony offers microwave scoring and pace off the bench, though he, like Porter, is streaky. AJ Green is a shooter with upside, and Ryan Rollins, Jericho Sims, and Andre Jackson Jr. bring youth and athleticism. Taurean Prince and Gary Harris add veteran stability and defensive intensity. The addition of Tyler Smith, a young forward with untapped potential, gives Milwaukee another project to develop under Giannis’ leadership.
This bench isn’t star-studded, but it is deep. It has the versatility to adjust to different matchups and the potential to carry minutes when Giannis rests. In a league where playoff rotations tighten and second units often swing games, this group could be the Bucks’ secret weapon. Depth alone won’t win championships, but it can provide the stability and energy needed in a grueling seven-game series.
Still, the question remains: is this enough to contend? The Eastern Conference hasn’t gotten any easier. The Boston Celtics are still elite. The New York Knicks have emerged as a serious contender. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat all remain threats. With Lillard, Milwaukee had a clear top-tier duo. Without him, they now lean heavily on Giannis and hope the rest of the roster can rise to the occasion.
Yet counting out Giannis has never been wise. This is a two-time MVP, a Finals MVP, and one of the greatest players of his generation. He’s entering his prime with a chip on his shoulder. The Bucks’ front office clearly believes in his ability to lead any group of players deep into the playoffs. In Turner, they’ve found a teammate who complements Giannis’ game rather than competes with it. Turner doesn’t need the ball. He defends, spaces the floor, and allows Giannis to dominate the ball while keeping the paint open. It’s a subtle but potentially powerful shift.
There’s also something to be said about team chemistry. The Lillard-Giannis pairing, despite the hype, never quite meshed. The team lacked rhythm and cohesion when it mattered most. Turner’s addition might not bring fireworks, but it could bring balance. A more natural hierarchy, a clearer identity, and a renewed defensive focus. That might not win headlines, but it could win games.
The Bucks also have the advantage of being underrated. Without the burden of championship-or-bust expectations, this team can develop under the radar. They can experiment, adjust, and grow into their roles. By the time the playoffs roll around, if healthy, they may be one of the more dangerous and cohesive units in the East.
In the end, Milwaukee’s chances hinge on three key factors: Giannis’ continued dominance, Turner’s impact on both ends, and the emergence of at least one reliable perimeter scorer. If Kevin Porter Jr. or Gary Trent Jr. can elevate their game to a near-star level, the Bucks could make real noise. If the bench gels and provides consistent production, this team could outplay expectations. But if the offense stagnates and the guard play falters, it could be another early exit.
For now, the Bucks are betting on fit over flash, chemistry over star power, and defense over offense. It’s a risky play in a league dominated by firepower. But with Giannis still in his prime and a roster built to support his strengths, the dream of a deep playoff run remains alive. Fans may still be scratching their heads over the Lillard departure, but come spring, this new version of the Bucks could be doing more than just surviving—they could be contending. Whether or not they will is the question that will define their season.
