Boris Diaw / Head Coach / 48 / 252-156 record
Diaw knows the roster and has been working with most of its players for quite some time. While the Miami Heat have prevented the team to come back to the Conference Finals in the last two season, the Front Office trust him to guide the team to success.
Patty Mills / First Assistant / 43
It will be Mills second season in Milwaukee. He was brought in last year to improve the team's offense. Well, that didn't happen ... or at least as it was expected. The Kevin Huerter experimente lasted too little time and the team was back to its defensive identity. This year he has another specific assignment: guide rookie guard Tyrell Terry during his first steps as a pro. If training camp is any indication, everyone could be very happy sooner than expected.
Dean Garrett / Second Assistant / 61
One more year for Garrett in the Bucks coaching staff, where he keeps taking care of the team's big men. The arrival of Joel Embiid last year provided more options for the team's inside game, and with a training camp now together, we may see new plays run for the veteran center.
Chuck Person / Third Assistant / 64
Three-point shooting needs improvement. Person will have more players to work with this year, given the additions of Davis Bertans and rookie Tyrell Terry. Sophomore Isaiah Livers is also expected to keep improving under Person's guidance.
#1 Tyrell Terry / PG / 18 / 6'2" / 156 lbs
Patience. That was the most repeated word in the Bucks war room during draft night. An 18-year-old point guard coming from Stanford, Terry had all the potential in the world, but he was still very far from reaching it. His game understanding was years ahead of his age, and had great shooting mechanics and passing skills. One of the team scouts even said he reminded him to Steve Nash, well, if reaching that potential. His training camp was simply awesome. He may in fact play more than he was supposed to as a rookie. Still, the team is very cautious and Terry will have no pressure to perform so early at his pro career.
#6 Troy Brown / SG / 26 / 6'7" / 200 lbs
It seems he has been on the CSL forever, but Brown is just entering his prime. While his efficiency on the offensive end didn't continue its progression from previous seasons, his all-around game keeps on growing: assists, rebounds, steals ... He has slowly taken his game to new levels, to the point that is probably now at the same level of Brandon Ingram in terms of leadership and importance on the court. After years decreasing his weight, he has unintentionally gained five pounds during this offseason. We will see how that affects both his defensive and offensive production.
#7 Thon Maker / PF / 30 / 7'1" / 231 lbs
Currently, the longest tenured player by a team in the CSL. Maker reaches 30 years old. He has worked hard in the offseason to lose some weight and be back to the times where he was able to play all three frontcourt positions. While not the most consistent player out there, a rarity in Milwaukee, he has had such key moments in critical games that he is a fan favourite. Needless to say, he is the team captain.
#8 Jarred Vanderbilt / SF / 26 / 6'9" / 215 lbs
The Bucks decided to exercise the option on Vanderbilt's contract this summer to have one of the best mid-range shooters back to the team. In such a deep roster, minutes are hard to be had, but Vanderbilt is always a reliable player who can avoid the offense collapsing thanks to his mid-range game.
#10 Daniel Gafford / PF / 26 / 6'11" / 228 lbs
One of the best defenders in the CSL, Gafford will start his sixth season in the CSL. Franchise insiders reveal Gafford is considered the most important player on the roster behind Ingram and Brown, and while his lack of scoring probably prevents him from being considered part of a traditional big three, he is actually part of that core. Ironically, he has not established himself as a perennial starter, as he has come off the bench more often than not. Still, starting is not as important as playing the critical minutes of tight games.
#12 Isaiah Livers / SF / 24 / 6'7" / 222 lbs
Livers will start his sophomore season lighter and with a very solid training camp. His rookie season saw him average 9.3 points in 21.4 minutes per game, shooting 36.7 % from three-point range. In a team which needed outside shooting, Livers fit right in. He already started 28 games last season and is expected to start in the opening game of the season. However, the coaching staff is aware that is still very early in his career to give him much responsibility.
#14 Brandon Ingram / SF / 29 / 6'9" / 190 lbs
Ingram comes right from signing a full max contract: $109,882,500 over the next five years. He is a great example of a hard worker who impacts the game in so many different ways, but who does not receive the hype of the CSL "true superstars". The team is always first in Milwaukee. Ingram has always understood that, and the franchise has always known what to expect from him. Both will start their tenth season together, hoping the best days of this collaboration are still ahead.
#20 Rayshaun Hammonds / PF / 26 / 6'8" / 228 lbs
The definition of a hustle player. Hammonds signed a five-year deal worth $7,500,000 this summer. An excellent defensive rebounder and solid defender who knows his limitations. He does all the hard work and let others shine on offense. Now that he is signed long-term, his role in the team may increase.
#21 Joel Embiid / C / 33 / 7'0" / 270 lbs
Embiid came in last year during the regular season in the trade that sent Huerter to the Atlanta Hawks. While past his prime, he contributed when needed, and now with a training camp alongside his teammates, he is expected to fit better with the team. He may start as the team's center, but his minutes will be monitored to make sure he is at the peak of his form come playoff time.
#23 Mitchell Robinson / C / 26 / 7'0" / 229 lbs
A shot-blocking specialist who can also be a scoring threat in the painted area. Signed to a very friendly contract, if he was a better rebounder he could be an All-Star calibre player. Still, Robinson has a role within the team, and so far he has delivered when needed.
#25 Dikembe Dixson / SG / 29 / 6'6" / 190 lbs
Another key role player who is a specialist on the defensive end. His handles allow him to even fill in at point guard if needed. Not much of a factor in offense, Dixson will likely see his role increase in specific game situations, where an opponent needs to be limited. Just remember what he did last season in games four, five and six to Jaylen Morris in the first round series against the Chicago Bulls.
#31 Vlatko Cancar / SG / 29 / 6'9" / 190 lbs
Versatility is the word that probably best describes Cancar. He has the height of a big man, but is light as a wing. He can handle the ball, shoot the three and run an offense. Usually his role increases in the playoffs, but with Holiday gone he may see more minutes during the regular season.
#33 Markis McDuffie / SF / 28 / 6'8" / 215 lbs
Another defensive specialist. While McDuffie only played 19 games in the CSL for the 2024/25 Indiana Pacers and has been in the D-League ever since, the Bucks scouting department highlighted his 3.3 steals per game last year for Stockton. Hi signed a one-year minimum contract this summer, and may have a role in certain matchups.
#42 Davis Bertans / SF / 34 / 6'10" / 210 lbs
At age 34, the Latvian forward is the oldest player in the roster. Another one-year minimum signing, Bertans is a sharpshooter brought in to address the team's main weakness: outside shooting. Only time will tell if this time it works or if it's the short-lived Huerter experiment again.
#47 Gary Clark / PF / 29 / 6'8" / 225 lbs
Rounding out the roster is a very well-rounded forward in Clark. He can do a bit of everything: he is a solid defender, can grab some rebounds, is a solid passer, does not turn the ball over too frequently and understands the game. Signed for two seasons, Clark may have time to prove coach Diaw he deserves playing time.
These are the 2030/31 Milwaukee Bucks. Could they be back to the ECF? Are they destined for another second round exit? Or may they take a step back this season?
