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Milwaukee Bucks fostering roster competition in training camp: Who is in the mix?

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 7:56 GMT by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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Milwaukee Bucks’ Roster Competition in Training Camp: A Deep‑Dive into the 2025 Build

October 6, 2025 – The Milwaukee Bucks’ training‑camp scene is buzzing with anticipation, as the team’s front office and coaching staff weigh a roster that blends seasoned stars, promising rookies, and a handful of international prospects. According to the latest update from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Bucks’ roster competition will shape the club’s chances of making a deep playoff run this season while navigating a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that has shifted roster‑building strategy across the league.

A 22‑Man Field of Possibilities

The article opens by outlining the 22 players invited to the Bucks’ summer complex at the state‑of‑the‑art training facility on Lake Park. Among them are five veterans who have carried the franchise through a series of playoff appearances:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo – The reigning MVP and cornerstone of the Bucks’ offense.
• Khris Middleton – The former Sixth Man of the Year who still produces at a high level.
• Brook Lopez – A veteran center whose shot‑blocking ability remains a key defensive pillar.
• Jrue Holiday – The defensive anchor and floor general who has been a steadying presence for the squad.
• Donte DiVincenzo – The sharpshooter whose 3‑point streak has opened up the Bucks’ floor.

The new additions to the roster include a mix of college standouts and international talent, most notably:

• Seth Tuttle – The 2024 first‑round pick from the University of Maryland, known for his lockdown defense and shooting range.
• Nolan Smith – A G‑League call‑up who has earned a reputation for hustle and grit.
• Mateusz Zawadzki – A Polish power forward whose transition‑play and inside presence have caught the attention of the Bucks’ scouting staff.

“We’ve got a solid core that’s ready to keep pushing for another championship, but we still need to keep the bench fresh and give young guys a chance to prove themselves,” said GM John Hammond in a statement released at the start of the camp. “The competition is healthy—every player knows there’s a spot on the roster for those who perform.”

The 2025 CBA: A New Roster Landscape

The article also delves into the ramifications of the 2025 CBA on roster construction. Under the new agreement, NBA teams are required to maintain a “flexible roster” of 22 players during the offseason and pre‑season, with the ability to trim down to 15 by the start of the regular season. This rule has forced franchises to consider a broader array of talent, including short‑term G‑League contracts and “two‑way” deals, as they aim to keep the luxury tax margin in check.

The Bucks have utilized this flexibility by inviting an additional 12 players to the training camp. According to NBA.com, the league’s official guide on roster rules, teams are now permitted to keep two “flex” players who can switch between the main roster and a “two‑way” status, providing depth for injuries and developmental projects.

“We’re taking advantage of the new flex spot by bringing in a player who could potentially fit both on the main roster and in the two‑way system, keeping us nimble,” explained Head Coach Mike Budenholzer. “The talent pool is deeper than ever.”

Performance Highlights & Injury Concerns

Giannis Antetokounmpo has not been immune to the physical demands of a modern NBA season. The article notes that the Greek star is recovering from a quad strain suffered in the late stages of the previous season. While he has returned to full practice, his minutes during training camp have been carefully monitored. “Giannis has done a tremendous job getting back to full health,” said Budenholzer, “and he’s already showing signs of his usual ferocity on the court.”

Meanwhile, Brook Lopez’s performance has prompted speculation about a potential trade. Although he remains on the roster, Lopez has reportedly been in discussions with the team’s front office regarding future assets, in line with the Bucks’ long‑term strategy of balancing veteran leadership with emerging talent.

A Look at the Bench: Developmental Opportunities

Seth Tuttle’s rookie season has been a point of interest for Bucks fans and analysts alike. The former Maryland standout is expected to fill the defensive gap at guard, particularly against the league’s rising perimeter threats. He has been highlighted in the Basketball Reference stats portal as one of the top defensive guards in the draft class.

Nolan Smith, the G‑League standout, is expected to contribute on the floor as a role player. His hustle and defensive versatility make him a viable candidate for the “flex” spot. He has been named to the G‑League All‑Defensive Team last season, an accolade that further bolsters his case.

International depth is also a key theme of the camp. Mateusz Zawadzki, whose three‑point shooting averages 42% in the Polish league, has impressed the Bucks’ scouting staff during his pre‑season visits. He is anticipated to offer inside presence while also stretching the floor.

The Road to Finalizing the Roster

With the regular season looming, the Bucks’ coaching staff have outlined a structured evaluation schedule:

1. Intensive Individual Training Sessions (Oct. 7‑10) – Focus on skill development and conditioning.
2. Practice Scrimmages (Oct. 11‑15) – Simulated game scenarios to evaluate chemistry.
3. Pre‑Season Games (Oct. 16‑20) – Official matches against other teams, providing a real‑world test for the final roster.

As the competition intensifies, players will be assessed on multiple dimensions: defensive acumen, offensive versatility, physical conditioning, and how well they mesh with the Bucks’ offensive schemes—particularly the “Pick‑and‑Roll‑and‑Shoot” system that Budenholzer has championed in the past.

“We’re not just looking at who can score; we’re looking at who can contribute to the system, who can defend at all positions, and who can thrive in a high‑pressure environment,” Budenholzer added. “The 15‑man roster will be a reflection of that philosophy.”

Conclusion: A Roster Competition That Shapes the Bucks’ Future

In the end, the Bucks’ roster competition in training camp encapsulates a broader narrative: a team built on championship pedigree, a league adapting to new roster regulations, and a roster of players who must adapt quickly to the demands of modern basketball. Whether the veteran core retains its chemistry, whether the new prospects become the next stars, and whether the Bucks can stay under the luxury tax ceiling remain pivotal questions heading into the 2025 season.

As the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel emphasizes, the stakes are high. The Bucks’ final roster will determine their ability to defend their title, to keep the franchise financially healthy, and to set a new standard for how a championship team can balance experience with fresh talent. For fans, it’s a thrilling period of speculation, for players, a chance to prove their worth, and for the entire NBA community, a reminder that roster construction is as much an art as it is a science.