What a Successful Season Looks Like for New Bucks Coach Taylor Jenkins

With the Milwaukee Bucks entering a rebuilding phase, they also decided to bring in a new head coach in Taylor Jenkins. Jenkins had previously spent time with the Memphis Grizzlies and led their young core to the postseason, now he's looking to do the same with Milwaukee. 

While expectations are low for Jenkins and the Bucks this upcoming season, there are still factors that will determine whether or not Jenkins' first season with the franchise is successful or unsuccessful. 

While the Bucks have some veteran pieces scattered around its roster, the team also has young pieces that will need time to develop this season. Two of them being Brayden Burries and Nate Ament. 

Both Burries and Ament were players selected in the lottery of this year's NBA Draft, and with the franchise entering a new phase, finding playing time for them this next season is crucial. 

In the 2026 Summer League, Brayden Burries specifically stood out amongst guards that were taken as high as him. He showed flashes of being a reliable two-way player, and the plays he made on offense made him look like he could be a future number one option for the Bucks. 

If the Bucks can find Burries enough playing time to develop properly, he could be in the running for Rookie of The Year. As for Ament, he is a player that has room to grow, but his upside really stands out when you consider his frame and the skills he possesses. 

As far as wins and losses go, that cannot be the biggest priority for the Bucks in 2026-2027. This is a team with almost entirely new faces and there will be growing pains as this team figures out its chemistry with one another. 

Another factor that will be important to a successful season is finding that chemistry within the current starting lineup. Tyler Herro comes to Milwaukee from Miami and is expected to be the main piece that runs this offense. 

If Taylor Jenkins can find a way to get point guard Ryan Rollins clicking with players like Tyler Herro and forward Kel'el Ware, they could be in good shape long-term as well. They could also be a surprise team in the Eastern Conference if they figure it out sooner rather than later. 

Taylor Jenkins is a coach who has been through a situation like this before elsewhere, and his task to get the Bucks back on track with a new core is not something he is new to.