The Milwaukee Bucks have dramatically improved their performance after a rocky start to the 2024-25 season, with stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard leading the charge. Their chemistry is evident, but the same cannot be said for the team's rookie class, which has struggled to adapt to the NBA.

According to Grant Hughes from Bleacher Report, the Bucks' rookies received a disappointing 'D' grade. AJ Johnson, the 23rd pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has had limited success, averaging just 1.4 points in five games. The other rookies, Tyler Smith and Liam Robbins, have also seen minimal court time, contributing to the team's overall challenges.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was driven by a promise to teammate Liam Robbins to win the NBA Cup, which would help Robbins purchase a home in Iowa. After their victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Antetokounmpo expressed his commitment to fulfilling this promise.

Robbins, who went undrafted in 2023, signed with the Bucks on a two-way contract, allowing him to play for both the Bucks and their G League affiliate. His performance in the tournament helped him earn a significant payout, highlighting the impact of team success on individual players.

On Tuesday night in Las Vegas, the NBA will crown its second in-season tournament champion as the Milwaukee Bucks face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP, aims to lead the Bucks to victory, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2024 MVP runner-up, seeks to secure the Thunder's first team trophy.

The Thunder boast the league's best record, with Gilgeous-Alexander averaging impressive stats this season. Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, is on track for a career-high scoring title.

Taurean Prince, the starting small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, discussed the upcoming 2024 Emirates NBA Cup final against the Oklahoma City Thunder on SiriusXM NBA radio. He emphasized the significance of the championship game, not just for glory but also for the substantial bonuses players could earn.

The Bucks players stand to gain $500,000 each if they win, while two-way players could earn $250,000. Prince highlighted the impact this money could have on his teammates' lives, especially those on lower contracts.

The 2024-2025 NBA season is underway, and teams are closely monitoring their minute distribution as they adjust their game plans. This article highlights key players to buy or sell based on their projected roles and performances in the early games.

Each team's starters are analyzed, with insights on player value, potential increases or decreases in minutes, and strategies for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Notable mentions include the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets, among others.