After a disappointing end to the 2021-2022 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks look to start fresh when the 2022-2023 season tips off this week. There are a few main things the Bucks have to improve on in order to have a successful season. One thing they already improved is their roster. Here is the full Milwaukee Bucks roster for the upcoming season.

0 – Marjon Beauchamp (F)

3 – George Hill (G)

5 – Jevon Carter (G) 

7 – Joe Ingles (F/G)

9 – Bobby Portis (F)

11 – Brook Lopez (C)

12 – Grayson Allen (G)

13 – Jordan Nwora (F)

20 – A.J. Green (G)

21 – Jrue Holiday (G)

22 – Khris Middleton (F)

23 – Wesley Matthews (G)

24 – Pat Connaughton (G)

25 – Serge Ibaka (F)

34 – Giannis Antetokounmpo (F)

43 – Thanasis Antetokounmpo (F)

54 – Sandro Mamukaleshvili (F/C)

There are sixteen returning players and five new players on the roster. The most notable additions to the team include rookie MarJon Beauchamp and eight-year veteran Joe Ingles. A smart, offensive minded Joe Ingles paired with Giannis Antetokounmpo will create a vicious pick and roll. Along with his playmaking ability, Ingles has a 40.8% three-point average on his career, which is ideal for Milwaukee’s offensive system that surrounds Antetokounmpo with shooters. Marjon Beauchamp has a great foundation to grow from when learning more about both offense and defense. Beauchamp may not have an ability to greatly affect a basketball game, but by the end of the season, he will be an improved player. Beauchamp will receive some light minutes, while Ingles will receive solid bench minutes starting in January once he returns from an ACL injury. Both players have the potential to have a strong impact on the game. 

The Bucks’ offseason was predicted to be quiet when they brought in only five new players, however, it was actually the opposite. Maintaining all of their key players meant that the team had to make sure everyone was paid. The front office extended the majority of their bench including Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, Wesley Matthews, Jevon Carter, and Serge Ibaka. The extensions for Portis, Connaughton, and Carter were key to keeping their bench functional. Bobby Portis provides energy off the bench when Giannis or Lopez is tired, and he averaged 14.9 ppg and 9.1 rpg. His numbers might take a dive this season because he will no longer be starting in games and will be losing minutes to Joe Ingles. The ‘People’s Champ’ is a fan favorite, so it will be hard for him to lose a lot of time. Jevon Carter showed his value in the preseason when he averaged 10.9 ppg on 52.2% 3pt% and 65.9% ts%. Carter has a 2.57 assist to turnover ratio and is also a strong guard defender. Pat Connaughton provides around 10 ppg on about 40% 3pt% and switchability on defense. The tough ‘bench mob’ is needed by the Bucks to perform at a high level throughout the regular and postseason.

Despite the new additions to the team and strong returning players, they already have to deal with injuries to Pat Connaughton and 3 time All-Star Khris Middleton. Milwaukee has experienced similar obstacles in the past. They have an (82-91) record without Middleton and a (151-142) record without Connaughton. Winning games without Middleton and Connaughton has proven difficult over the years, but is achievable. There have also been other day-to-day injuries to some bench players, which will allow for younger players to step up and contribute to the team.

Since 2019, there hasn’t been a repeat Eastern Conference Champion. The Bucks will be looking to change this, but other teams have made advances towards this title as well. The Cleveland Cavaliers took the biggest jump towards being championship contenders for the next few years when they traded for borderline superstar guard Donovan Mitchell. The Atlanta Hawks made a similar move when they traded for Dejounte Murray to pair with Trae Young. However, the reigning Eastern Conference Champions improved as well. Boston added Malcolm Brogdon and Danillo Gallinari, who are solid role players to an already stacked roster. The only thing that could possibly slow the team down is the loss of Coach Ime Udoka, who tremendously benefitted their efforts to get to the NBA Finals. Other contending teams made changes as well, but none were very significant. 

While a team is nothing without its players, the coaching staff has a valuable impact on a team’s overall performance. The Bucks have made some changes to their coaching staff. There were numerous promotions, and they hired Utah Jazz assistant coach Vince Legarza and former NBA player DeMarre Carroll to be assistant coaches. These additions were due to the Bucks losing assistant coach Darvin Ham after he was signed by the Los Angeles Lakers to be their new head coach. Ham was a favorite among the players and will be missed. Milwaukee still has Coach Mike Budenholzer under contract until after the 2024-2025 season, so the game plan will remain similar. 

The goal for the Bucks is another NBA Championship. If the Bucks want to win another NBA Championship they will need to focus on staying healthy and consistent. Last year, Khris Middleton only played in two full games in the playoffs and there were many injuries during the regular season that may have affected team chemistry. Milwaukee had many consistency issues during the semifinals against Boston. That series was winnable, however, the Bucks weren’t consistent enough with shooting the ball and defense. 

The Milwaukee Bucks’ season started on Thursday, October 20th, when they took on the Philadelphia 76ers on the road. Milwaukee has their home opener on Saturday, October 22, where they will play the Houston Rockets.