Key Highlights
- Milwaukee Bucks finalize 15-person roster for the 2025-26 season.
- Guard Andre Jackson Jr. and veteran Amir Coffey earn final two roster spots.
- The team is expected to waive Tyler Smith, a 2024 second-round draft pick.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the only original draft pick on the roster.
Roster Finalization for the Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have completed their roster for the upcoming 2025-26 season, with significant moves reflecting strategic decisions to optimize team depth and player performance. General manager Jon Horst and head coach Doc Rivers have made a series of adjustments to ensure the squad is well-positioned for competition.
Andre Jackson Jr. and Amir Coffey Secure Roster Spots
The Bucks have secured guard Andre Jackson Jr., who was acquired via trade in 2023, and veteran Amir Coffey as part of their final roster composition. Jackson, who turned 24 this November, played an integral role last season by starting 43 games out of a total of 67 appearances.
According to Jackson, the competitive spirit within the team fostered by Horst and Rivers is crucial for development: “We’ve got a lot of competitive dudes. We’re all like-sized, we’re all capable, so it’s good, it’s good competing.
We all got that spirit, too.”
Amir Coffey, 28 years old and with six years of experience, signed on as a non-guaranteed player during training camp but now has his contract converted to a guaranteed minimum signing. Rivers praised Coffey for his potential contributions in certain lineups: “I think challenging each other is going to help us when we get to game night.”
Tyler Smith Waived by the Milwaukee Bucks
In contrast, Tyler Smith, the 2024 second-round draft pick who played sparingly last season, has been waived. The 6-foot-11 forward had a challenging start in his rookie year, struggling with shooting percentages and limited playing time.
Smith’s departure was a strategic move to align with the NBA’s roster deadlines. He will make $1.95 million this season but only two seasons remain on his rookie deal, neither of which are guaranteed.
Implications for the Milwaukee Bucks
The moves made by the Milwaukee Bucks reflect their commitment to maintaining a competitive and versatile squad centered around Giannis Antetokounmpo. The team’s roster now includes a mix of young talent, experienced veterans, and strategic acquisitions aimed at bolstering depth.
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains an anchor for the franchise, representing the only original draft pick on the roster from 2013. With Jackson Jr. and Coffey securing spots, the Bucks are positioning themselves to leverage their collective talent and experience in pursuit of a strong season.
Conclusion
The Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to finalize their roster with Andre Jackson Jr., Amir Coffey, and the waiver of Tyler Smith underscores their ongoing efforts to optimize team performance. These strategic moves not only enhance the squad’s competitiveness but also align with the broader goals set by management. As the season approaches, fans will be eager to see how these changes play out on the court.
