The Milwaukee Bucks have undergone a massive transformation this season. Gone are the days of the “Old Guard,” as the front office pivoted toward a younger, more athletic roster around their superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo. If you haven’t checked the bucks depth chart lately, you might be surprised by how many new faces are running the floor at Fiserv Forum.
The current 2025-26 season has been a bit of a roller coaster. With Damian Lillard moving on and Brook Lopez’s era ending, the team has a fresh identity. We are seeing a “position-less” style of basketball under Doc Rivers. This means players are moving around a lot more. In this article, we’ll break down every spot on the team. We will look at who is starting, who is coming off the bench, and how the rotations are shaping up for a playoff push.
Complete 2026 Milwaukee Bucks Depth Chart Table
To understand how the team wins, we need to see where everyone fits. Here is the most current look at the bucks depth chart for the 2025-26 season.
| Position | Starter | Primary Backup | Third String / Reserve |
| Point Guard | Ryan Rollins | Kevin Porter Jr. | Cam Thomas |
| Shooting Guard | A.J. Green | Gary Trent Jr. | Gary Harris / Andre Jackson Jr. |
| Small Forward | Taurean Prince* | Ousmane Dieng | Thanasis Antetokounmpo |
| Power Forward | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Kyle Kuzma | Pete Nance (Two-Way) |
| Center | Myles Turner | Bobby Portis | Jericho Sims |
*Note: Lineups often shift based on injuries and tactical matchups. Taurean Prince and Myles Turner have missed recent time due to injuries.
The Point Guard Situation: Life After Lillard
The biggest change in the bucks depth chart this year is at the point. With the team moving on from Damian Lillard, the keys have been handed to younger, defensive-minded guards. Ryan Rollins has emerged as a shocking success story. He provides energy and perimeter defense that the team lacked last year.
Behind him, Kevin Porter Jr. has taken on a massive role as a secondary playmaker. While he isn’t a traditional “pure” point guard, he plays well off the ball when Giannis is handling the rock. This duo has helped the Bucks improve their defensive rating significantly compared to previous seasons.
Shooting Guards: Finding the Perfect Spacing
The Bucks need shooters to keep the floor open for Giannis. A.J. Green has earned his spot as a starter by being one of the most consistent three-point threats in the league. His ability to “catch and shoot” makes him the perfect partner for a driving superstar.
When Green needs a breather, Gary Trent Jr. and Gary Harris provide veteran stability. Trent Jr. is known for his “3-and-D” style, meaning he hits shots and plays tough defense. This depth ensures that the bucks depth chart remains dangerous from the perimeter for all 48 minutes of the game.
Small Forwards: Versatility is Key
At the small forward spot, the Bucks value size and speed. Taurean Prince brought a lot of grit to the starting five before his recent neck surgery. In his absence, the team has experimented with Ousmane Dieng, a young talent acquired via trade.
Dieng is tall and versatile, fitting the “position-less” mold. Having players like Andre Jackson Jr. also allows the Bucks to play fast in transition. This part of the bucks depth chart is all about being able to guard multiple positions and helping out on the glass.
Power Forwards: The Heart of the Team
Everything in Milwaukee starts and ends with Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is the undisputed leader and the engine of the offense. Even when he deals with minor injuries, like his recent calf strain, his presence on the bucks depth chart is what makes them a contender.
The biggest surprise this year was the addition of Kyle Kuzma. Having a player of Kuzma’s caliber coming off the bench—or starting next to Giannis—gives the Bucks a scoring punch they haven’t had in years. Kuzma can create his own shot, which takes the pressure off the Greek Freak during the “clutch” minutes of the game.
Centers: A New Look in the Paint
For a long time, Brook Lopez was the anchor of the defense. Now, that job belongs to Myles Turner. Turner is one of the best shot-blockers in the NBA. He also has the “gravity” to pull opposing centers away from the hoop because he can hit three-pointers.
Bobby Portis remains the ultimate “Sixth Man.” The fans love his energy, and he is often the first big man off the bench. Rounding out the center rotation on the bucks depth chart is Jericho Sims, who provides elite rebounding and lob-threat ability when the starters are resting.
How Injuries Impact the Bucks Rotation
Injuries are the one thing that can ruin a great season. Recently, the bucks depth chart has been tested. Giannis has missed several games with a calf injury, and Myles Turner has been in and out of the lineup.
When these stars sit out, the team relies heavily on “bench mobs.” This is where players like Cam Thomas come into play. Thomas was a mid-season addition who can score 20 points in a flash. While injuries are never good, they have allowed the younger players to get much-needed experience before the playoffs begin.
Coaching and Strategy Under Doc Rivers
Doc Rivers has shifted the team’s focus toward defense. By utilizing the length and athleticism of the current bucks depth chart, the team is playing at a slower, more deliberate pace. They want to force teams into tough shots and then run them down in the fast break.
Rivers often uses “hybrid” lineups. You might see a lineup with three guards and two forwards, or a “big” lineup with Turner and Giannis together. This flexibility is the greatest strength of the 2026 roster. It allows the Bucks to match up well against both small, fast teams and big, physical ones.
The Bench Spark: Why Depth Matters
In the NBA, you are only as good as your bench. The Bucks’ second unit has become a major strength. Bobby Portis and Cam Thomas provide instant scoring. Kevin Porter Jr. manages the tempo. This allows the starters to rest without the lead evaporating.
A deep bucks depth chart is essential for the long 82-game season. It prevents the stars from burning out. As we head into the final months of the season, having healthy, fresh legs coming off the bench will be the difference between a first-round exit and a deep playoff run.
Looking Ahead: The Playoff Push
As of February 2026, the Bucks are fighting for a top spot in the Eastern Conference. They have proven they can win without Giannis, but they are a different beast when he is healthy. The goal is to keep the bucks depth chart stable and find the right chemistry before the post-season starts.
If the young guards continue to grow and the veterans like Kuzma and Turner stay healthy, Milwaukee will be a very scary team to face in a seven-game series. The “remodeled” Bucks are faster, younger, and hungrier than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the starting point guard for the Bucks in 2026?
Currently, Ryan Rollins has taken over the starting role, with Kevin Porter Jr. often sharing backcourt duties depending on the matchup.
2. Is Giannis Antetokounmpo still on the Bucks?
Yes! Giannis remains the face of the franchise. While there has been trade talk in the past, he is currently leading the team toward another playoff run.
3. What happened to Brook Lopez?
Brook Lopez signed with the Los Angeles Clippers during the offseason as part of Milwaukee’s youth movement. He was replaced by Myles Turner.
4. How does Kyle Kuzma fit into the bucks depth chart?
Kuzma plays as a versatile forward. He can start at the small forward spot or come off the bench to play power forward behind Giannis.
5. Who is the best shooter on the Bucks right now?
A.J. Green is widely considered the best pure shooter on the team, often leading the squad in three-point percentage.
6. Are there any rookies making an impact?
The 2026 roster is mostly made up of young veterans, but players like Ousmane Dieng and Andre Jackson Jr. are the primary “youth” focus this season.
Conclusion
The 2026 bucks depth chart shows a team that is ready for the future. By balancing the legendary talent of Giannis with young, energetic pieces like Ryan Rollins and established stars like Myles Turner, Milwaukee has rebuilt on the fly. It is a transition that hasn’t been easy, but the results on the defensive end are finally starting to show. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual observer, watching this new version of the Bucks is going to be an exciting ride.
