Before you know it, the 2025-26 Milwaukee Bucks season will be tipping off at Fiserv Forum. On Monday, the team hosted their annual media day, featuring appearances from Bucks co-owner Wes Edens, general manager Jon Horst, coach Doc Rivers, Myles Turner, and more. Giannis Antetokounmpo was originally slated to appear, but would have to do so via Zoom from Greece, as he tested positive for COVID-19, and is currently awaiting a negative test ahead of training camp. While we can’t wait for this season to start, here’s ten takeaways from this year’s media day:
1. New faces in new places
Monday featured an appearance from new center Myles Turner, who came to Milwaukee in the blockbuster move that involved waiving Damian Lillard after his achilles injury. Turner comes to the Bucks after falling just short of an NBA Championship with the Indiana Pacers last season.
“Not winning a championship gave me a renewed sense of purpose,” said Turner, who seemed relaxed in his turn at the microphone. “Now that I’ve been there and been so close, it’s something that drives me more now.”
2. This team is built around Giannis
There was no shying around the fact that this team is built around the Greek Freak. At 30 years old, he’s very much still in his prime, but is now the second-oldest player on the team, besides his older brother Thanasis. While he was already the cornerstone of the Bucks, he’s now the main focal point of coach Doc Rivers’ system.
“Doc and I went into the offseason focused on how we can maximize Giannis’ impact,” said Horst.
“Around Giannis, the more shooting that we can have, the better we are.” said Rivers.
3. This team wants to play fast
Just about everyone on Monday noted that the team wants to pick up their pace of play this season. With a young team, the Bucks want to get out and run the floor, and they have the personnel to do that now.
“To take that next step, we needed more speed,” said Rivers. “Last year, it was hard to win with the pace that we were trying to play at, and you could see that early.”
4. Myles Turner will be celebrated in Milwaukee
Just about everyone on Monday also spoke highly of Myles Turner coming into the fold, including Giannis. Turner brings a physical presence to the paint, and Milwaukee is also getting him in his prime.
“I’m very excited that he’s on the team. He’s one of the bigs in the league where I think we can work well together with each other.” said Antetokounmpo. “I’ve played against him over the years, and it hasn’t been fun.I think Myles and I are more excited than anyone”
“We had some battles over the years,” said Bobby Portis. “The NBA is crazy. We play against all of these guys, and you never know who is going to end up being your teammate. I’m glad we never got into a scuffle.”
5. Myles already likes Milwaukee
Turner was asked about his experience in Milwaukee so far. Over the weekend, he threw out the first pitch at a Milwaukee Brewers game, and he’s already adjusting to the city.
“It’s been dope man. The people here have been so welcoming. I think that comes with being in the Midwest,” said Turner. “It’s a place where I’m able to walk around in public. There’s been good energy here.”
6. Bobby is still the mayor
Bobby Portis appeared the most relaxed with the Milwaukee media on Monday, and for good reason. Myles Turner exited the stage as Portis made his way to the microphone, and Turner chanted “Bobby! Bobby! Bobby!” as Portis was walking in. He was asked about his options in free agency, and why he decided to not leave Milwaukee.
“I didn’t want to move all my stuff” he joked. “I’m kidding. This is like home, man.“ he added, noting that he was in Milwaukee throughout the 2020 pandemic. “This organization has really had my back. I’ve always been able to have an open dialogue with Jon and with Doc.”
7. Depth will work for the Bucks
Training camp for the Bucks begins on Tuesday, and with 21 players suiting up and only 18 roster spots, Horst and Rivers expect a competitive camp.
“I think we have 21 players that could all be on an NBA roster. Obviously it can’t be that way,” said Horst. “We’re gonna let them play it out.”
“Our guys have been in town for a month, working four days a week,” added Rivers. He also noted that from day one, he’s looking for players that are going to be committed to the way that he wants to play.
8. The NBA is changing, and so are the Bucks
Rivers pointed out that the format of building a team around a “big three” is changing, and that last year’s Indiana Pacers were actually a prime example. Last year, Indiana made it to the Finals without a defined third superstar, but rather a host of role players that could collectively make up that space.
“The old way of trying to get three superstars on one team is changing,” said Rivers. “The deeper your roster, the more guys that can play, the better your team’s gonna be.”
9. There’s no love lost for Damian Lillard
While waiving one of the biggest stars in basketball due to injury and still having to pay over $120 million to him while he’s not on Milwaukee’s roster isn’t ideal, there were no ill words when it came to Damian Lillard. Several players hoped for the best for him in Portland, where he was eventually re-signed, and commended his handling of the situation.
“I always will have a great relationship with Dame, and we understand the business part of it. We had a conversation. I think he’s in a very happy place back home in Portland,” said Giannis. ““My friendship with him will be bigger than basketball.”
“Damian is a tremendous basketball player and a tremendous human,” said Wes Edens. “If we were really going to make the most of our opportunities with Giannis we had to do something, and that’s what they did” he added. “We knew that his heart was in Portland, Oregon. I wish him nothing but the best”
10. This team is ready to work and win in the East
While Lillard went down with an achilles tear, so did Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton and Boston’s Jason Tatum. That leaves the Eastern Conference wide open for the Bucks to take advantage of this season.
“The East has had some real mishaps in terms of the injury bug. But we think that we have a good chance to come out of the East” said Edens.
“Roster building is continuous” said Horst. ““We’re a faster, more versatile offensive and defensive team”
Giannis said it best, though:
“I want to be on a team that allows me the chance to win a championship. I want to compete at a high level. I had the same thoughts last year, two years ago. It’s never going to change. I want to be with the best and I want to win a championship.”
The Bucks tip off their 2025-26 season on Wednesday, October 22nd against the Washington Wizards. You can get tickets today at the Bucks website.
