


ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 1: Brothers Brook Lopez #11 and Robin Lopez #42 of the Milwaukee Bucks during ... [+]
We are cruising through our Milwaukee Bucks offseason tiers and have made our way all the way down to the end of the bench.
So far, we’ve covered the following tiers:
Now, we look at guys who will have their butts firmly planted in seats during the game. Unless something goes horribly wrong or amazingly right, these three players are projected to be the Bucks’ bench warmers for the upcoming season.
Chris Livingston finds himself in a unique position compared to the other players on this list. As a 19-year-old, he was drafted by the Bucks with the 58th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Impressively, Milwaukee had seen enough in pre-draft workouts to make a promise to select him, leading his agent to call other teams and ask them not to pick his client.
The Bucks' commitment to Livingston doesn't stop at just drafting him; they've gone a step further by signing him to an unprecedented four-year contract with the first two years fully guaranteed. This level of commitment is quite exceptional, especially for a player drafted so late and who still has significant development ahead of him.
Livingston's raw talent and lack of an NBA-ready skillset are clear indicators that he has a long road of improvement ahead. However, the Bucks are willing to invest the time and effort in his development, understanding that his potential could pay off in the long run. As he spends ample time in the gym and hones his strengths at the NBA level, it will be exciting to see how Livingston progresses and what contributions he can make to the team over time.
Robin Lopez returns to the Bucks after a three-year absence, but he finds himself in a markedly different role this time around. In his previous stint, Lopez served as a role player, making appearances in 66 games for the team. However, under the guidance of new head coach Adrian Griffin, the outlook appears less certain, and it's improbable that he will see as much playing time this season.
With Brook Lopez, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bobby Portis anchoring the Bucks' frontcourt, and other versatile players capable of filling in at the power forward spot in small-ball lineups, Robin Lopez is slated for an emergency role as the reserve big man. While the specific number of games he'll feature in remains uncertain, his veteran presence and experience could prove valuable in times of need..
In a recent development, the Bucks have re-signed Thanasis Antetokounmpo to occupy their 15th and final roster spot. While this move may come as a surprise to some, given that he hasn't quite demonstrated NBA-level performance throughout his career, it's worth noting that his affiliation with the team's star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, likely played a role in his retention.
Although his on-court contributions have been limited, Antetokounmpo shines as a tremendous teammate, exuding intensity and passion from the end of the bench. He remains actively engaged during games, providing encouragement and unwavering support to his fellow players. While his basketball abilities may be modest, his impact on team chemistry and camaraderie can be valued for its intangible qualities.