Bucks fuel championship drive with Giannis Antetokounmpo and hungry new core

The Bucks might not have marquee names, but they bring a deep roster filled with players determined to show their worth. Cole Anthony, one of the latest additions, emphasized this in a conversation with The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, noting, “The energy is high. There’s a real professional vibe around everybody, and everybody has a chip on their shoulder.”

Every player on the Bucks roster enters the new NBA season with something to chase. Giannis, already cemented as one of the game’s greats, remains obsessed with winning and refuses to settle for just one championship.

Bucks coming in as a dark horse this season

He wants to show he can climb the mountain again. Myles Turner, fresh off a massive payday following an inconsistent playoff run with Indiana, now aims to prove he can deliver when the lights are brightest.

Bobby Portis will look to make his presence felt after sitting out 25 games last season because of a suspension. Gary Trent Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr., both chasing new contracts next summer, will be determined to redeem themselves after critical playoff mistakes. AJ Green will aim to prove he brings more to the floor than just perimeter shooting.

Cole Anthony will set out to show he can influence winning. After taking on the smallest role of his NBA career last season and being dealt by the Magic over the summer, he enters the new campaign with a chip on his shoulder and a clear drive to change the narrative.

With so many players carrying the same hunger, the Bucks have a chance to push each other every day. That collective drive could be the spark Milwaukee needs after three straight seasons of heartbreak. Anthony insists the energy is high. Good vibes won’t win a championship on their own, but Bucks fans can only hope that positivity fuels results when the games count.