“Milwaukee Bucks Set to Embrace Small Forward by Committee in 2025, Rotating Versatile Options to Fill Crucial Roster Gap”
The Milwaukee Bucks enter the 2025 NBA season with championship aspirations still firmly in place, but with one clear question looming over the rotation: who’s going to take the reins at the small forward position? With no clear-cut starter in place and an array of complementary wings on the roster, it appears the Bucks will turn to a committee-style approach to fill the void—piecing together minutes, roles, and matchups depending on game flow and opponent. It’s not the most traditional setup for a title contender, but in a league increasingly built around versatility and adaptability, Milwaukee is betting that depth and flexibility can outpace positional certainty.
Last season, the small forward position was something of a revolving door for the Bucks, due in part to injuries, inconsistency, and evolving lineups under new coaching leadership. While superstar pillars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard command attention as the engines of Milwaukee’s system, the wing spot has remained the most fluid piece in the lineup puzzle. Rather than aggressively pursuing a blockbuster trade or overcommitting to a single player, the Bucks opted for a more conservative—but potentially savvy—solution: work with what they’ve got and maximize each player’s strengths in specific roles.
That starts with Khris Middleton, the longtime All-Star who, when healthy, still brings high-level shot-making and savvy playmaking. However, Middleton’s durability remains a concern, and at this stage of his career, the Bucks are expected to manage his minutes and usage carefully. While he’ll still log time at the three, Middleton will likely float between small forward and shooting guard depending on matchups and health. The Bucks know what they have in him—a proven closer, a reliable secondary scorer, and a leader who understands how to operate next to Giannis and Dame. But he’s no longer the ironman wing of earlier seasons. For that reason, the team must lean on younger, more athletic, and defensively oriented options to eat minutes and apply pressure.
One of the more intriguing candidates is MarJon Beauchamp. Entering his third season, Beauchamp has flashed elite athleticism, disruptive defensive instincts, and a willingness to do the dirty work—qualities that make him a logical piece in a rotational wing structure. While still raw offensively, Beauchamp doesn’t need to score 15 points a night to make an impact. His energy in transition, ability to guard multiple positions, and nose for rebounding give the Bucks something they desperately need on the wing: youth, bounce, and effort. If he can knock down open threes at a respectable clip and cut with purpose in the half-court, Beauchamp could see his role expand dramatically.
Another versatile option is Pat Connaughton, the veteran glue guy who has earned his keep in Milwaukee through hustle, timely shot-making, and positional flexibility. Connaughton doesn’t necessarily project as a starting-caliber small forward on paper, but in reality, he’s often been the stabilizer when rotations get scrambled. He defends hard, moves the ball, and competes on the glass—three attributes that fit perfectly in a rotation-by-committee approach. Expect Connaughton to fill whatever gaps the game presents, whether that’s spot starts, closing minutes, or swing duty between the two and three spots.
The Bucks also added a few interesting pieces during the offseason that could play into the small forward equation. One name to watch is Andre Jackson Jr., a high-energy defender who profiles more as a disruptor than a scorer. Jackson brings the kind of motor and athleticism that coaches love, and his ability to guard 1 through 3 opens up creative defensive lineups for Milwaukee. While his offensive game is still developing, his role in a committee system may be more about neutralizing key opposing wings and pushing tempo when possible. He could emerge as a sneaky rotation regular, especially in matchups where defense at the point of attack is crucial.
In addition to internal development, the Bucks brought in veteran depth in the form of rotational wings who provide insurance more than upside. Names like Malik Beasley, who re-signed to provide spacing and shooting, could see time in three-guard lineups where he effectively plays the three, despite being undersized for the traditional mold. Similarly, rookie prospects or two-way players from the G-League pipeline could be tested early in the season if injuries hit or if the committee approach struggles to gain traction.
Of course, the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo adds another layer to the small forward discussion. While listed traditionally as a power forward, Giannis’ versatility allows the Bucks to play him at the three in jumbo lineups or slide him up to the five in small-ball units. His ability to handle, initiate offense, and defend across positions means that the concept of a “starting small forward” in Milwaukee is often more fluid than it appears. In some lineups, Giannis is the de facto wing. In others, he functions more like a center. This positional ambiguity is part of what allows the Bucks to embrace such a hybrid approach at the three spot.
New head coach Doc Rivers has made it clear that defensive commitment and rotational trust will define this team’s identity. Rivers, known for managing veteran talent and getting buy-in from role players, seems comfortable leaning on different combinations depending on game context. He has stressed the importance of finding the right groupings—lineups that complement the stars while not sacrificing the gritty work required to compete deep into the postseason. That mindset plays directly into the idea of playing multiple small forwards depending on matchups, rest cycles, and chemistry.
There’s also an analytical case to be made for this rotational strategy. Rather than rely on a single player to eat up 30–35 minutes at the wing, the Bucks can distribute responsibilities based on strengths: use Beauchamp for defensive energy and transition bursts, Middleton for scoring stretches and closing time, Connaughton for dirty work and spacing, and Jackson Jr. for hustle plays and defensive versatility. In doing so, they lower the physical toll on any one player while maintaining a consistently competitive edge across all four quarters.
There will be growing pains. Rotational uncertainty can sometimes lead to rhythm disruptions, and without a consistent presence at the three, the Bucks may occasionally struggle with perimeter containment or offensive spacing. Chemistry takes time, especially when players are adjusting to fluctuating roles and responsibilities. But the core of this team—Giannis, Dame, Middleton, and Brook Lopez—remains intact. That foundational consistency gives Milwaukee the luxury of experimenting without losing identity.
From a long-term perspective, this season may serve as an audition for the future of the position. With Middleton aging and contracts shifting, the Bucks will need to identify whether players like Beauchamp, Jackson Jr., or even future draft picks can grow into full-time starting roles. For now, though, the committee approach offers stability, creativity, and most importantly, options.
The 2025 Milwaukee Bucks are not trying to reinvent the wheel—but they are pivoting toward flexibility. In a league where “positionless basketball” has become more reality than buzzword, the decision to play small forward by committee is less of a risk and more of an adaptation. With the right matchups, the right effort, and the continued brilliance of Giannis and Dame, the Bucks believe they have enough to compete at the highest level—even if they don’t have a traditional small forward anchoring the lineup.
In Milwaukee, it’s not about who starts at small forward. It’s about who finishes—and who fits. And as the Bucks prepare for another run at the NBA crown, the message is clear: expect variety, embrace depth, and trust the committee.
