Milwaukee should use its new starting lineup to empower Tyler Herro while immediately testing the potential of its promising young core.
The Milwaukee Bucks will enter the 2026-27 season with a new coach, a reshaped roster and no Giannis Antetokounmpo for the first time in more than a decade.
Milwaukee traded Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. to the Miami Heat, beginning a rebuild centered around Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis and future draft capital.
New coach Taylor Jenkins must find a starting group that can remain competitive while developing the players who could become part of Milwaukee’s next contender.
Feb 24, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Miami Heat guard TylerHerro(14) looks for a shot against MilwaukeeBucksguard Ryan Rollins (13) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn ImagesThe Bucks’ best opening lineup projects to be Herro, Jaquez, Kyle Kuzma, Ware and Myles Turner.
Herro Takes Control of the Offense
The 26-year-old guard can score from beyond the arc, in the midrange and around the basket. With Antetokounmpo gone, Herro will have more freedom than ever to control an offense and establish himself as its clear first option.
His biggest challenge will be creating opportunities for everyone else. Herro is not a traditional point guard, making Jaquez an important part of the projected lineup.
Mar 12, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward JaimeJaquezJr. (11) drives to the basket against MilwaukeeBuckscenter Jericho Sims (00) during the third quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesJaquez averaged career highs of 15.4 points, five rebounds and 4.7 assists last season while finishing as the runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year. He can initiate possessions, attack mismatches and create from the post.
Starting Jaquez would allow Herro to work away from the ball instead of asking him to initiate every possession.
Kuzma provides another experienced scorer at small forward. His inconsistency remains an issue, but his size, rebounding and shot creation could help stabilize a young group.
Milwaukee Should Test Its Size
The most interesting decision involves Ware and Turner.
Ware averaged 11.1 points, nine rebounds and 1.1 blocks in only 22.1 minutes per game last season. He also shot 39.5% from 3-point range, giving Jenkins a reason to test him at power forward alongside Turner.
Turner’s ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor makes the pairing possible. Both big men can finish around the basket, block shots and pull opposing centers away from the paint.
There will be questions about whether they can defend smaller and faster forwards. Opponents will attempt to force switches and make both players defend on the perimeter.
Jenkins could respond by replacing one of the big men with Kevin Porter Jr. or AJ Green in certain matchups. However, Milwaukee should not abandon the experiment without first determining whether Ware can become a long-term frontcourt piece.
Brayden Burries, Nate Ament and Jakucionis should also receive developmental minutes, but none needs to be rushed into a starting position.
The Bucks are unlikely to contend immediately after losing Antetokounmpo. Their priority should be identifying which young players belong in their long-term plans.
Putting Herro in control while giving Jaquez and Ware expanded responsibilities would accomplish that goal without completely sacrificing competitiveness.
