Bucks Notes: Gary Trent Jr, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Doc Rivers, Taurean Prince

The Bucks have returned home after training camp in Irvine, California, and a preseason loss to the Pistons. Tuesday marked their first practice of the preseason in Milwaukee, noted Eric Nehm of The Athletic.

Here are some other takeaways from Nehm:

Health Concerns? Not So Fast.

Preseason is always a balancing act. You want reps, but not at the expense of your roster’s health. On Sunday, Gary Trent Jr. gave Bucks fans a bit of a scare when he left the game early against Detroit after hyperextending his left elbow on a rough screen by Jalen Duren. But Bucks head coach Doc Rivers quickly put those fears to rest.

“He’ll be fine. He’ll probably play Thursday,” when the Bucks take on the Lakers. So no guarantees, but Rivers sounds confident.

As for the Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, Rivers was a bit more cryptic. While Giannis is expected to suit up against the Lakers, Middleton’s status is less clear. “Maybe the last two [preseason games], but there’s no guarantee,” Rivers said. It’s a cautious approach, one you’d expect for a team with championship aspirations. No need to rush anyone back in October.

“Camp Connect” Hits Home

Rivers didn’t just take his team to California for sun and scrimmages. He dubbed the trip “Camp Connect,” an effort to build chemistry and togetherness. And by all accounts, it worked.

“It was phenomenal,” Rivers said. From team dinners to a mind-bending session with a mentalist, the Bucks found ways to bond that go beyond basketball.

“Giannis had something. (Damian Lillard) had something. Khris took guys to SpaceX,” Rivers added, smiling. It’s these moments, away from the court, that Rivers believes will pay dividends down the road.

Pat Connaughton echoed that sentiment: “When you’re on the road, it’s easier to spend time with your teammates—dinners, golf, whatever. Those moments build continuity, and that’s underrated in the NBA.” For a team looking to integrate new pieces, like Damian Lillard, these early chemistry-building moments are critical.

Prince: Ready for Bucks’ 4

Taurean Prince has made headlines for his approach ever since signing with the Bucks. He’s been studying game film of Antetokounmpo, Lillard, and Middleton, preparing for the exact shots he’ll be asked to knock down this season. But on Tuesday, Prince revealed another wrinkle: he’s gearing up to play power forward. After mostly playing small forward last season with the Lakers, Prince is embracing the versatility the Bucks’ system requires.

“I wasn’t surprised,” Prince said, referring to the idea of playing the 4. “I just want to win. That’s all that matters.”

“Playing the 4, it’s different. You could be at the top, short corner, rim run — anywhere,” Prince explained. And with Milwaukee’s rotation of bigs, led by Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, and Brook Lopez, the 30-year-old forward knows it’ll be an adjustment. But if his past is any indication, Prince will fit right in.

So as the Bucks head into their second preseason game, all eyes will be on how these pieces come together.

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