Milwaukee Bucks Center Depth Chart Following Free Agency

Forbes

4 days ago

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 19: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against ... More Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter in game one of the NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 19, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by)
The Milwaukee Bucks are loaded with bigs heading into the 2025-26 season, and after a busy offseason, they'll need to sort out a rotation that's heavily tilted toward the frontcourt.
At power forward, the Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyle Kuzma, and Tyler Smith. Chris Livingston could also get minutes at the four—if he can carve out a role and stay on the court.
At center, Milwaukee has Myles Turner, Bobby Portis, and Jericho Sims. Portis will also see time at power forward depending on matchups. And while Bogoljub Markovic was drafted 47th overall this summer, he's expected to spend at least one season overseas before joining the NBA roster.
With so many bigs in the mix, let's take a look at how the center position shapes up for the Bucks following free agency.
1. Myles Turner
Turner was Milwaukee's splashiest—and most surprising—addition of the offseason. The Bucks came out of nowhere to sign the 28-year-old to a four-year, $108.9 million deal, with a player option on the final season.
To make room for him, the Bucks waived and stretched Damian Lillard, a move that'll keep Lillard on the books for about $22.5 million annually through 2030. Critics have panned the decision, but Milwaukee clearly believes Turner is the better long-term fit alongside Giannis.
On paper, Turner is a seamless partner for Antetokounmpo. Offensively, he can space the floor, knock down threes, and hit mid-range jumpers, which pulls opposing rim protectors out of the paint. Defensively, he's still one of the better shot-blockers in the league, even if his block numbers have dipped slightly in recent seasons.
If his pairing with Antetokounmpo clicks, this move could end up looking like a steal.
2. Bobby Portis
Portis is back for another go-round in Milwaukee, agreeing to a three-year, $43.6 million deal—excellent value for a Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
He'll back up Turner at center but can also slide to the four and play alongside him when the Bucks want to go big. While his effort on defense was hit or miss last year, and he had a habit of stalling the offense at times, his scoring punch off the bench will remain vital.
The Bucks are hoping for more consistency this season, especially now that he's locked in long-term.
3. Jericho Sims
Fans wanted Sims back, and Milwaukee obliged. Just don't expect major minutes.
Sims is the most athletic center on the roster outside of Antetokounmpo. He's explosive, can switch a little on defense, and brings energy.
The downside is his offensive game is nonexistent. No jumper, no touch—just lobs and hustle buckets. It's hard to play him when opposing defenses can completely ignore him.
He may get occasional run depending on matchups or injuries, but he's not expected to be part of the regular rotation. There's too many talented players ahead of him on the depth chart at both big positions.