The Milwaukee Bucks' projected starting lineup has been labeled the worst in the NBA by a major outlet.
The projected starting five features Ryan Rollins, Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kyle Kuzma, and Myles Turner. Analysts see major questions on both ends of the floor. Offensively, the group lacks a clear superstar and will lean heavily on Herro to create. Defensively, there's significant pressure on Turner to protect the rim, with concerns about perimeter defense.
It's a unit built more on potential than proven production.
Several adjustments are possible before the season tips off. The team might bring Kyle Kuzma off the bench, inserting Ousmane Dieng for more defensive versatility. Jaime Jaquez Jr. is also a candidate for a sixth-man role, a position he filled in Miami.
Starting rookie Brayden Burries could be an aggressive move to add offensive spark. Another option is promoting young center Kel'el Ware over Myles Turner to boost offensive firepower. These choices will define the team's early identity.
Comparisons to other teams suggest the ranking might be overly critical. The Sacramento Kings, for instance, project to start Darius Acuff Jr., Zach LaVine, De'Andre Hunter, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis. That group has its own defensive limitations.
The Memphis Grizzlies' expected lineup of Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward, Jerami Grant, Cameron Boozer, and Zach Edey relies heavily on rookie Boozer. Milwaukee's unit, by contrast, has more proven NBA scorers like Herro and Rollins.
So the lineup is flawed, but perhaps not the absolute worst. Their defense will struggle, but so will others. The key is finding cohesion quickly. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page as this new-look Bucks team takes shape.
