The Milwaukee Bucks don’t have high expectations this season now that Giannis Antetokounmpo is no longer on the team.

A playoff staple for the last decade, most expect Milwaukee to be at the bottom of the Eastern Conference after they traded Giannis and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, and a haul of draft picks.

With no playoff expectations, a new head coach, and a young squad, the Bucks might not be competitive, but they could be a fun team over the course of the season.

Realistically, what can fans expect?

The betting odds say that they will be, as they are tied with the Brooklyn Nets in projected wins at 24.5. Both teams are tied for the second-worst projected total in the league, behind the Sacramento Kings, who are at 21.5 wins.

The Bucks won’t be good, but they won’t be bottom-of-the-East bad.

The Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, and even the Washington Wizards could end up below the Bucks depending on how the season shakes out. There is talent in Milwaukee, and Taylor Jenkins is a guy who has proven he can get the most out of a young team.

Milwaukee has two promising rookies in tenth overall pick Brayden Burries and thirteenth overall pick Nate Ament.

Everyone is very high on Burries, and for good reason, as he’s a well-rounded guard. Ament is more of a project, but the opportunities should be there for him this season as Milwaukee develops its young core.

Neither is likely to start the season, but the roster on opening night probably won’t be the roster by Game 82. The final couple of months could be big for both rookies to put their stamp on the season.

2026 is a strong rookie class, but these two should have strong enough numbers to make their case for one of the two All-Rookie teams.

Myles Turner is expected to be the starting center at the beginning of the season, but by the end of the year, expect Ware to take that spot.

Ware has more upside and is the long-term play in Milwaukee. Turner’s contract is going to make him tough to move or bench, but Milwaukee is looking past this season and seeing what they have in the next three to four seasons.

Ware will prove himself to be the choice moving forward.