Milwaukee just closed out its preseason slate, and if you weren’t watching, you missed the Bucks transforming into an offensive rebounding monster overnight, heading into what everyone’s calling a “rebuild-but-don’t-call-it-a-rebuild” season. After all five preseason games are in the books, it’s clear Taylor Jenkins is already making moves.
Bucks Are Punching the Glass, Hard
Forget everything you thought you knew about how the Bucks play, because Jenkins’ coaching philosophy is already showing up big time. This team is hitting the glass, and the numbers back it up in a massive way. Their overall Rebounding Percentage shot up from a dismal 48.2% (26th in 2025-26) to a solid 51.1% (10th in preseason). But here’s the kicker, the truly mind-blowing stat: their Offensive Rebounding Percentage went from an atrocious 26.3% (30th, dead last!) last season to a ridiculous 35.9% (5th) in preseason. Are you kidding me? That’s a huge shift in how they’re getting second chances.
This relentless attack on the offensive glass means more looks at the basket, plain and simple. Milwaukee averaged 94.2 field goal attempts per game in preseason, ranking third in the league, a huge jump from their 27th-placed 85.5 attempts last year. They’re also firing from deep, finishing third in three-point attempts with an average of 46.4 a night, way up from 39.1 last year. It’s not just about more shots either, they’re playing with serious zip. The Bucks finished 10th in pace at 104.5, a massive improvement over last year’s 23rd-place finish at 98.3. This team is absolutely leaning into its youth and athleticism, exactly what it should be doing. And on the defensive end? They’re swatting shots, averaging 5.4 blocks per game, good for 10th in the league and a step up from their 4.0 BPG and 27th placing last season.
Player Hopes and Preseason Rollercoasters
Man, this preseason was a ride. I started out hyped, but then watching the Kyle Kuzma and Jaime Jaquez Jr. frontcourt together, I’ll be honest, I was wincing. Gary Trent Jr.’s shooting had me doing the same thing. Then Kel’el Ware stepping in at the four position got me all excited again, only for his “motor” issue to pop up, and suddenly I was questioning everything. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there as fans.
But I’m choosing optimism here. A big reason why? Taylor Jenkins’ choices against the Indiana Pacers. He put Brayden Burries and Ousmane Dieng in as his first and second substitutions, and that gives me a ton of hope for the regular season. It feels like Jenkins has quickly learned these guys aren’t just prospects, they need to play. They’ve already shown the kind of growth that lets them leapfrog more established players, and that’s exactly what you want to see. We haven’t even really gotten deep into Burries’ emergence yet, but trust me, in Burries we absolutely trust.
So, as the regular season tips off, the Bucks are showing a clear new identity: fast, aggressive on offense, and relentless on the boards. If they can keep up that offensive rebounding intensity and pace, they’re gonna be a handful for any team that sleeps on them. This young squad is ready to make some noise.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Brew Hoop.
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