# Bucks Rookie Season Projections as Post Giannis Era Begins

> Bucks project rookies for post-Giannis era with key players set to shine.
- Title: Bucks Rookie Season Projections as Post Giannis Era Begins
- Summary: Bucks project rookies for post-Giannis era with key players set to shine. Bucks rookies Brayden Burries and Nate Ament face challenges but show potential in…
- Keywords: miami heat, milwaukee bucks, giannis antetokounmpo, brayden burries, nate ament, nba, rookie season, preseason, free throw, three point, sports, Bucks
- Source: Milwaukee Bucks On SI — https://si.com/nba/bucks/onsi/bucks-rookie-season-projections-as-post-giannis-era-begins-01m5facdzz9x
- Published: 2026-10-21T15:00:10+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: miami heat, milwaukee bucks, giannis antetokounmpo, brayden burries, nate ament, nba, rookie season, preseason, free throw, three point, sports
## NBA Season Begins
The NBA season finally kicked off on Tuesday, October 21, 2026, with the Bucks playing the Washington Wizards.
## Bucks' Post-Giannis Shift
Giannis Antetokounmpo left for Miami after 13 seasons, changing the Bucks' roster significantly.
## Brayden Burries Profile
Brayden Burries, a 6'4" guard selected 10th, averaged 14 points per game in preseason with low efficiency.
## Burries' Shooting Stats
He shot 41.3% from the field and 11.8% from the deeper NBA three-point line during preseason.
## Burries' Defense
Burries showed fearlessness, decisive play, and strong defensive skills from his college tape.
## Burries' Stats
He chipped in with 4.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals per game in preseason.
## Burries' Projection
Burries will be a focal point by mid-season due to his two-way impact and NBA readiness.
## Burries' Free Throw
He averaged 4.8 free throw attempts per game with an 84.2% success rate in preseason.
## Bucks' Guard Roster
The Bucks have 10 guards on their roster after letting go of Kevin Porter Jr.
## Burries' Challenges
He needs to keep turnovers low and pick shots that don't disrupt the offense.
## Nate Ament Profile
Nate Ament, a 6'10" wing selected 13th, was acquired in the Giannis trade with Miami.
## Ament's College Stats
He shot 39.9% from the field and 33.3% from deep in college with high usage.
## Ament's Preseason
Ament averaged 5.5 points per game with 27.3% field goal accuracy in preseason.
## Ament's Projection
Ament will likely spend most of the season in the G-League to develop before playing in the NBA.
## Key takeaway

Bucks rookies Brayden Burries and Nate Ament face challenges but show potential in post-Giannis era.