Two Bucks Players Who Could Have a Breakout 2026-27 Season

With the decision to move on from Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, the attention on the Milwaukee Bucks roster shifts to someone else as they're looking to find the next face of the franchise. 

There will be more opportunities for young players to succeed, and there are two players who could be in for potential breakout seasons because of the opportunities that will be placed in front of them. 

One of those players who could break out is Kel'el Ware. Ware is 22 years old and has slowly progressed over the two seasons he has been in the NBA. He was brought over from the Miami Heat as part of the Giannis trade, and this is someone who could be the reason why the Bucks won this trade. 

Last season, Ware averaged 11.1 points per game and 9 rebounds, but now, with a more expanded role with the Milwaukee Bucks, he could be in for a better season statistically. Ware is one of the better young big men in the league today, and he can play both around the rim and the perimeter. 

Another factor that could help Ware's case for having a breakout season is the expendability of Myles Turner. Turner is a veteran center who signed a four-year, $108.87 million contract with the Bucks in 2025, but with the franchise's shift to get younger, he could be someone who gets traded in the middle of the season. 

If Turner does get shipped off by the Bucks, Ware could be the focal point of Milwaukee's frontcourt. 

Another player who could break out in 2026-2027 for the Bucks is Ryan Rollins. Rollins is 24 years old and is coming off a breakout season of his own in 2025. He was a player who did not see much playing time up until last season, and he made the most of it. 

Now, with the Bucks looking for a player to build around, he could be that next piece who takes a step up. Rollins ended the season for the Bucks on a high note, averaging 21.2 points per game in the last 10 games of the season for the Bucks. 

If Rollins can continue that stretch of play and find his rhythm early with Milwaukee next season, he has a good chance of solidifying his role as the team's point guard next season. 

The Bucks will likely have opportunities open up for more players as the season progresses, but Ryan Rollins and Kel'el Ware are two players who could break out for the team and find their long-term roles with the franchise moving forward.