Former Milwaukee Bucks Star Believes Cole Anthony Could Be Perfect Backcourt Complement to Bucks’ Frontcourt Strength and Championship Ambitions
As the Milwaukee Bucks prepare for a crucial 2025–26 NBA season, much of the focus remains on their aging but formidable frontcourt duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez. With Khris Middleton still in the mix, though dealing with wear and tear, and Damian Lillard expected to provide offensive fireworks, there is one area where Milwaukee’s success could truly hinge: the backcourt depth behind their stars. Enter Cole Anthony, a player who has yet to break out on a major scale but who is now drawing serious praise from an unexpected voice—a former Bucks star who sees something more in Anthony than many analysts currently do.
The endorsement has caught the attention of Milwaukee fans and insiders alike, not because it’s wildly outlandish, but because it’s grounded in the kind of insight that only former players possess. When someone who has worn the jersey and understands the culture of the team goes out of their way to vouch for a young guard like Anthony, it raises eyebrows for all the right reasons. This former Bucks star, known for his high basketball IQ and leadership during his time in Milwaukee, has identified Anthony as a potentially vital piece in the team’s evolving puzzle.
The key to this belief lies in Anthony’s skill set, which, while still raw in some areas, aligns surprisingly well with the Bucks’ current needs. A dynamic and aggressive guard who has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Orlando Magic, Cole Anthony is the type of player who thrives in chaos—he’s fearless, confident, and capable of creating offense for himself when systems break down. Those attributes are often overlooked when evaluating bench pieces, but for a Milwaukee team that has struggled with offensive stagnation when Giannis or Lillard are off the floor, Anthony could be exactly what they need.
The Bucks’ frontcourt is a known commodity. Giannis remains one of the top five players in the league, capable of dominating games with sheer force and relentless effort. Brook Lopez, despite his age, continues to provide elite rim protection and floor spacing. Together, they anchor Milwaukee’s identity on both ends of the court. What they’ve lacked at times is consistent support from the backcourt beyond Lillard, especially in high-leverage moments when secondary creation is needed.
Cole Anthony could be that spark.
He’s not the type of guard who demands the ball on every possession, but he is more than capable of initiating offense when the play breaks down. He has a quick first step, can get downhill, and has improved his three-point shooting year over year. Though his efficiency has been inconsistent, his confidence has never wavered. That kind of mental resilience is invaluable in playoff scenarios where momentum swings fast and energy players often shift the tide of a game.
What’s more, Anthony is deceptively strong for his size. He’s not an elite defender yet, but he competes hard and doesn’t shy away from contact. He can be hidden defensively when paired with bigger wings or strong rim protectors—which, in Milwaukee, is exactly what he’d have in Giannis and Lopez. That allows Anthony to play to his strengths without being overly exposed, especially against second units.
The former Bucks star who praised Anthony went a step further in his commentary, saying, “Cole’s got that edge to him. He’s got something you can’t teach—a fire. I see the way he attacks the game, and I think in the right environment, especially with bigs who command attention like Giannis and Brook, he could be a weapon. He won’t have to carry the load—just play freely, and that’s when he’s at his best.”
That analysis is compelling not just for what it says about Anthony, but what it implies about Milwaukee’s current roster construction. With Lillard entering his mid-30s and already showing signs of wear last season, the Bucks need a reliable change-of-pace guard who can step in without the offense falling apart. Anthony fits the bill—not necessarily as a primary point guard, but as an energy scorer and secondary playmaker who can give defenses a different look.
One of the underrated aspects of Anthony’s game is his rebounding. Despite being just 6’2″, he consistently crashes the glass with purpose and often initiates fast breaks after securing defensive boards. In Milwaukee’s transition-heavy system, where Giannis thrives in open space, that kind of quick outlet potential is a valuable asset.
Another reason why Anthony makes sense in Milwaukee is his willingness to adapt. He’s shown a clear commitment to evolving his role over the past few seasons. In Orlando, he went from being a high-usage rookie to a more reserved sixth man, finding ways to impact the game even when his shot wasn’t falling. That level of humility and self-awareness is often what separates good role players from great ones.
If the Bucks were to fully integrate Anthony into their system, it would require a few things: first, consistent minutes to build rhythm; second, a clear definition of his role so he doesn’t feel like he’s auditioning on every possession; and third, a bench unit designed to leverage his speed and creativity. Surrounding him with smart cutters and reliable shooters—think Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, or even Malik Beasley—could unlock a second unit that’s far more potent than what Milwaukee has had in recent years.
Of course, none of this is to suggest that Cole Anthony is a guaranteed breakout star waiting to happen. He has weaknesses—his shot selection can be erratic, and his decision-making in tight moments still needs refinement. But at 25, he’s entering the stage of his career where guards often make the leap from “talented but inconsistent” to “reliable and essential.” And with the right mentorship and structure, Milwaukee could be the perfect setting for that transformation.
Giannis, for his part, has always thrived alongside guards who play hard and don’t shrink under pressure. While Holiday was the ultimate example of that, Anthony offers a different kind of benefit—explosive scoring potential in spurts and a fearlessness that can ignite a bench mob when the starters rest. If he can improve his catch-and-shoot consistency and stay locked in defensively, the Bucks may find that they’ve uncovered a gem hiding in plain sight.
The psychological aspect of joining a contender can also bring out the best in players like Anthony. Going from a rebuilding situation to a team with championship expectations often sharpens focus and improves accountability. Surrounded by veterans who have seen it all, Anthony won’t have to play hero ball. He can simply do what he does best—bring energy, create offense, and make big plays in key moments.
It’s telling that a former Bucks standout sees all of this so clearly. When past players speak highly of younger talents, it often stems from recognizing similar traits or potential they themselves once had. For Milwaukee, that kind of external validation shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s a sign that Cole Anthony might just be more than a fringe addition. He might be a missing ingredient.
As the Bucks move forward in their quest to win another championship, every roster decision will be scrutinized. Every role player must prove their worth. And in that context, the belief in Cole Anthony’s potential isn’t just a nice sentiment—it’s a calculated bet that he can rise to the moment when it matters most.
Whether or not he fulfills that vision remains to be seen. But the pieces are there. The system is ready. The opportunity is real. And if the former Bucks star is right, then Milwaukee may have found themselves a spark plug who can help carry them through the long, grueling journey that every champion must endure.
