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The Milwaukee Bucks’ crowded backcourt showed during the team’s preseason opener, when two of its youngest guards received little to no playing time. The early look underscores a tension between veteran rotation pieces and the franchise’s developing prospects.
Minimal floor time for top young prospects
Rookie guard Brayden Burries, the Bucks’ 10th overall pick in the most recent draft, logged 16 minutes in the preseason opener, most of it coming in the second half. Kasparas Jakucionis, acquired in the trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo elsewhere, did not enter the game.
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At 21 and 20 years old respectively, Burries and Jakucionis remain early in their pro careers. The limited opportunities in this outing mean neither has yet begun to explore the full scope of their potential on an NBA court.
Why minutes were scarce
The Bucks’ backcourt depth is substantial. Several established guards—Ryan Rollins, AJ Green, Tyler Herro, Gary Trent Jr., and Kevin Porter Jr.—figure to receive consistent minutes based on role and roster standing.
Even Caris LeVert, a higher-paid veteran, played 10 minutes in the opener—time that might otherwise have gone to younger rotation candidates. That allocation illustrates the practical constraints coaches face when balancing development and immediate competitiveness.
Rotation still in flux
Coaching staff and management often use preseason contests to experiment with lineups and evaluate fit. Taylor Jenkins may alter his rotation in subsequent games and give Burries and Jakucionis more meaningful minutes.
Still, the opening-night plan offers an initial glimpse at how the team values experience and salary-invested players versus younger prospects. It also highlights the challenge of integrating multiple guards into a functioning rotation.
Roster logistics could change the picture
The Bucks are facing a broader roster crunch and, according to the team’s situation, will need to part with two players soon. If one or both departures come from the guard group, it could create substantive playing-time opportunities for Milwaukee’s younger guards.
Until decisions are made, Burries and Jakucionis may find their development paced by the immediate needs of the roster rather than a clear plan for heavy minutes.
