Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to have a difficult job on the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2025-26 NBA season.
The Milwaukee Bucks have prioritized building around Giannis Antetokounmpo heading into the 2025-26 NBA season.
After losing Damian Lillard to an Achilles tear in the playoffs, the Bucks knew they would have to make some difficult decisions during the offseason.
But they went above and beyond, as the Bucks waived Lillard to sign Myles Turner in one of the most controversial moves of the offseason.
This decision could have a positive impact on the Bucks. But Giannis Antetokounmpo must brace himself for the toughest season he has had in years.
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty ImagesGiannis Antetokounmpo faces first season with no All-Star teammate since 2018
For the first time since the 2017-18 NBA season, Giannis Antetokounmpo will not have an All-Star teammate on the Milwaukee Bucks. This includes both present and former All-Stars.
From 2019 to 2023, Giannis had either Khris Middleton or, eventually, Jrue Holiday to rely on as All-Star teammates. Along with them, former All-Star Brook Lopez was also on the roster.
And upon Damian Lillard’s arrival, he filled that gap for both Middleton and Holiday, serving as Giannis’ All-Star teammate.
But now that both Lillard and Lopez are off the Milwaukee Bucks, and with Myles Turner’s arrival, Giannis will not have an active All-Star teammate next season.
Of course, Turner, or even Kyle Kuzma, could step up and rise to All-Star status next season. But until the festivities in February, Giannis will be the lone All-Star on the Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks struggled last time they had just one All-Star
How did the Milwaukee Bucks perform the last time they had just one All-Star on their roster? In the 2017-18 NBA season, the Bucks had a 44-38 record and finished seventh in the Eastern Conference.
For their efforts, the Bucks would face the Boston Celtics in the first round. Despite putting up a good fight, the Bucks would get eliminated in seven games.
The following season proved to be pivotal, as Giannis Antetokounmpo broke out as a superstar. He would win the MVP award and take the Bucks to the Eastern Conference Finals.
It’s hard to see how the Bucks can compete in the Eastern Conference next season. The pairing of Giannis and Myles Turner forms a strong frontcourt, but their backcourt is still very weak.
Additionally, given how much stronger the New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, and Orlando Magic have gotten, the Bucks just don’t have enough to compete.