Milwaukee Bucks facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Milwaukee Bucks
Conference	Eastern
Division	Central
Founded	1968
History	Milwaukee Bucks 1968–present
Arena	Fiserv Forum
Location	Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Team colors	Good Land green, Cream City cream, Great Lakes blue, black, white
Main sponsor	Motorola Mobility
President	Peter Feigin
General manager	Jon Horst
Head coach	Doc Rivers
Ownership	Wes Edens, Jimmy Haslam, Jamie Dinan, Mike Fascitelli
Affiliation(s)	Wisconsin Herd
Championships	2 (1971, 2021)
Conference titles	3 (1971, 1974, 2021)
NBA Cup titles	1 (2024)
Division titles	19 (1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 2001, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Retired numbers	9 (1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 14, 16, 32, 33)
Association Icon Statement

The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They play in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as part of the Eastern Conference's Central Division. The team started in 1968 as a new expansion team. Their home games are played at Fiserv Forum.

The Bucks have won two NBA championships, in 1971 and 2021. They have also won three conference titles, 19 division titles, and the 2024 NBA Cup. Famous players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have played for the team. Both Abdul-Jabbar and Antetokounmpo won the NBA's Most Valuable Player award while playing for the Bucks. They are also the only players to win the Finals MVP for the team. The Bucks are special because they are the only NBA team to win a championship in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Team History and Key Moments

Starting the Team: 1968–1969

On January 22, 1968, Milwaukee got an NBA team. Fans helped choose the name, and "Bucks" was picked. This name refers to Wisconsin's official wild animal, the white-tailed deer. The Bucks' first season in 1968–69 was tough, as expected for a new team. They won only 27 games.

The Bucks won a coin flip against the Phoenix Suns to get the first pick in the draft. They chose Lew Alcindor (who later became Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) from UCLA. They had to compete with another league to sign him.

The Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Era: 1969–1975

During his six seasons with the Bucks, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a top scorer and rebounder.

Oscar Robertson helped the Bucks win their first championship in 1970–71.

With Alcindor, the Bucks improved a lot in 1969–70, winning 56 games. Alcindor was named NBA Rookie of the Year. The next season, the Bucks traded for star guard Oscar Robertson. The team then had an amazing season, winning 66 games. They also had a 20-game winning streak.

The Bucks won their first NBA championship on April 30, 1971. They swept the Baltimore Bullets in four games. Winning a championship in only their third season was very fast for a new team.

In 1972, Alcindor changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Bucks continued to be a strong team. They reached the 1974 NBA Finals but lost to the Boston Celtics in a close Game 7. This was their last NBA Finals appearance until 2021.

After the 1974–75 season, Abdul-Jabbar wanted to play in a bigger city. The Bucks traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers in June 1975.

Building a New Team: 1976–1990

After Abdul-Jabbar left, the Bucks rebuilt their team. Don Nelson became the head coach in 1976. The team drafted talented players like Marques Johnson and Sidney Moncrief. Don Nelson won two NBA Coach of the Year awards with the Bucks.

In 1980, the Bucks traded for veteran center Bob Lanier. They then won the Midwest Division title. The Bucks moved to the Eastern Conference's Central Division. They won six division titles in a row. The team was strong with players like Moncrief, Johnson, Paul Pressey, and Terry Cummings. However, they couldn't reach the NBA Finals, often losing to the Boston Celtics or Sixers.

In the 1980s, the Bucks made history. In 1983, they were the first team to sweep the Boston Celtics in a seven-game playoff series. They also beat Michael Jordan in a playoff series during his rookie year.

New Owners and Arena

In 1985, the Bucks were sold to Herb Kohl, who was a future U.S. Senator. He bought the team to keep it in Milwaukee. A new arena, the Bradley Center, was donated to the city. This new arena became the Bucks' home.

Tough Times and New Stars: 1990–1998

The 1990s were a difficult time for the Bucks. They only made the playoffs three times and won just one playoff game. From 1991 to 1998, they had seven losing seasons in a row.

During this period, the Bucks drafted Glenn Robinson in 1994. In 1996, they got rookie Ray Allen in a trade. Both players became important for the team's future. In the 1998 NBA draft, the Bucks traded Dirk Nowitzki, who they drafted, to the Dallas Mavericks. This trade is now seen as one of the most uneven trades in NBA history, as Nowitzki became a superstar.

In 1993, the Bucks changed their logo and uniforms. They added purple and silver to their colors, replacing red.

The "Big Three" Era: 1998–2003

After many losing seasons, the Bucks hired coach George Karl in 1998. With players like Ray Allen, Sam Cassell, and Glenn Robinson, the team became very good. They were known as the "Big Three."

In the 2000–01 season, the Bucks won 52 games and their first division title in 15 years. They reached the 2001 Eastern Conference Finals but lost in seven games to the 76ers. This era was called the "Let It Fly" era because of the team's high-scoring offense.

After this successful season, the team struggled. They traded Ray Allen in 2003, and coach George Karl left.

Toni Kukoč playing for the Bucks.

The Michael Redd Era: 2003–2009

Michael Redd playing for the Bucks.

For the next six years, the Bucks faced challenges with injuries and inconsistent play. They made the playoffs twice but lost to the Detroit Pistons both times. During this period, Michael Redd became a star player and the "face of the franchise."

In the 2005 NBA draft, the Bucks picked Andrew Bogut first overall. Bogut later became a key player for the team. In 2008, John Hammond became the new general manager, and Scott Skiles became the head coach.

The Brandon Jennings Era: 2009–2013

Brandon Jennings

In the 2009 NBA draft, the Bucks drafted point guard Brandon Jennings. With Jennings playing well and Andrew Bogut improving, the team became a playoff contender. The phrase "Fear the Deer" became the team's slogan.

In the 2009–10 season, the Bucks finished with a 46–36 record and made the playoffs. They lost in seven games to the Atlanta Hawks. Bogut suffered a broken arm late in the season, which hurt their playoff chances.

In 2012, the Bucks traded Bogut to the Golden State Warriors for Monta Ellis and other players. In 2013, the Bucks were swept 4–0 by the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs.

The Giannis Antetokounmpo Era: 2013–Present

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Starting with Giannis: 2013–2014

On June 27, 2013, the Bucks drafted Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo with the 15th pick. The team also made many other player changes. The 2013–14 season was tough, and the Bucks finished with the worst record in the league.

In April 2014, long-time owner Herb Kohl sold most of the team to Wes Edens and Marc Lasry. The new owners promised to keep the team in Milwaukee and help build a new arena.

Under Coach Jason Kidd: 2014–2018

In July 2014, the Bucks hired Jason Kidd as their new head coach. The team's slogan became "Own The Future." The Bucks improved a lot in the 2014–15 season, winning 41 games. This was a big jump from the previous year. They made the 2015 NBA playoffs but lost to the Chicago Bulls.

In 2015, the future of the Bucks in Milwaukee was secured. The Wisconsin State Senate approved public money to help build a new arena. The Bucks also signed important players like Greg Monroe and Khris Middleton.

In the 2016–17 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo became an All-Star starter. He made history by leading his team in five major statistical categories. The Bucks made the playoffs but lost to the Toronto Raptors. In January 2018, the Bucks fired Jason Kidd.

The Championship Years: 2018–2023

In May 2018, the Bucks hired Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach. In August 2018, the Bucks' new arena, Fiserv Forum, opened.

The Bucks had an amazing 2018–19 season, winning 60 games. This was their best record since 1980–81. They reached the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals but lost to the Toronto Raptors. After the season, Giannis Antetokounmpo was named the league's Most Valuable Player.

In the 2019–20 season, the Bucks quickly clinched a playoff spot. However, the season was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When play resumed, the Bucks' players refused to play a playoff game to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake. Antetokounmpo won his second straight MVP award.

Before the 2020–21 season, the Bucks signed Antetokounmpo to the largest contract in NBA history. They also traded for Jrue Holiday and signed Bobby Portis. The Bucks finished as the third seed in the Eastern Conference.

Members of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrating their 2021 championship at the White House

In the 2021 NBA playoffs, the Bucks swept the Miami Heat. They then beat the Brooklyn Nets in seven games and the Atlanta Hawks in six games to reach the NBA Finals. In the Finals, they faced the Phoenix Suns. The Bucks came back from being down 2–0 to win the series. Antetokounmpo was named Finals MVP after a fantastic performance, including 50 points in the final game.

The Bucks continued to be strong in 2021–22, winning 51 games. They beat the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the playoffs. However, they lost Khris Middleton to injury and were eliminated by the Boston Celtics.

In 2022–23, the Bucks had the best record in the league with 58 wins. They were the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. However, Antetokounmpo suffered a back injury, and the Bucks lost in the first round to the Miami Heat. After this loss, coach Mike Budenholzer was fired.

Recent Changes: 2023–Present

On June 5, 2023, Adrian Griffin became the new head coach. On September 27, 2023, the Bucks acquired seven-time All-Star point guard Damian Lillard in a big trade. However, Griffin was fired after only 43 games. On January 26, 2024, Doc Rivers was named the new head coach.

On December 17, 2024, the Bucks won their first NBA Cup, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the championship game. Giannis Antetokounmpo was named the tournament's MVP. Despite this win, the Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the third season in a row.

Team Ownership

The Milwaukee Bucks are owned by several individuals and groups. Key owners include Wes Edens, Jamie Dinan, and Michael D. Fascitelli. In 2023, Jimmy Haslam and Dee Haslam, who own other sports teams, bought a large share of the team. In 2024, former Bucks player Junior Bridgeman also bought a 10% share. Other owners include local business leaders and even famous football player Aaron Rodgers.

Bango the Mascot

The Bucks' official mascot is named Bango. The name "Bango" came from a word used by the team's longtime announcer, Eddie Doucette, for long-range baskets. Bango has been the mascot since October 18, 1977. His original costume was a green sweater, but now he wears a Bucks uniform with the number 68, representing the team's founding year.

Bango is very popular and appears at schools, parades, and festivals. He is known for his amazing acrobatic dunks and entertaining tricks at games. He has also appeared at the NBA All-Star Game many times since 2001.

In 2009, Bango got injured during an All-Star Weekend skit, tearing his ACL. He had to use a wheelchair for a while. Despite this, Bango has continued to perform incredible feats, like a back-flip dunk from a 16-foot ladder. He has won "Mascot of the Year" and "Most Awesome Mascot" awards. Bango has also been in ESPN commercials and a documentary series called Behind the Mask.

Team Logos and Uniforms

Early Years: 1968–1977

The Bucks first wore hunter green and white uniforms with red trim. The white uniforms had "Bucks" in green letters, and the green uniforms had "Milwaukee" in white. The deer head logo was on the shorts. These classic uniforms have been brought back for special "Classic" games in recent years.

The "Irish Rainbows": 1977–1993

In 1977, the Bucks changed their uniforms. They added colorful side stripes with shades of green, known as the "Irish Rainbows." The color red was removed from the uniforms in 1985.

Purple and Green: 1993–2006

The Bucks changed their logo and uniforms again in 1993. Purple became a main color, and silver was added. Green was used as a trim color. The old cartoon deer logo was replaced with a more realistic one. These purple uniforms were also brought back as "Classic" uniforms in the 2022–23 season.

Modern Look: 2006–2015

New uniforms were introduced in 2006. The home uniforms were white with green stripes, and the road uniforms were hunter green. Both had "BUCKS" across the chest. A red alternate uniform was added in 2008, similar to their early uniforms. In 2014, a gold tab was added to the jerseys to celebrate their 1971 championship.

Current Look: 2015–Present

On April 13, 2015, the Bucks revealed new logos and colors. Their new official colors are Good Land green, Cream City cream, Great Lakes blue, black, and white. These colors represent Milwaukee's history and nicknames.

On June 6, 2015, the new home (white) and road (green) uniforms were shown. They feature cream instead of red. The road uniforms now say "Milwaukee" again. They also have a unique "Cream City Rainbow" pattern on the sides, which is a nod to the old "Irish Rainbow" design. The phrase "Fear the Deer" is written upside down on the bottom left of the jersey. A gold tab on the back collar celebrates their 1971 and 2021 championships.

A new black alternate uniform, called the "Fear the Deer uniform," was introduced in October 2015. It features the new Bucks logo in the center. The team also uses a special alternate court design for games where they wear these black uniforms.

Since 2017, the NBA has allowed teams to have five different uniform sets. The Bucks have "Association" (white), "Icon" (green), and "Statement" (black) uniforms. They also have "Classic" uniforms, which are replicas of past designs. Their "City" uniforms are special designs that celebrate Milwaukee's history and culture. For example, some "City" uniforms have honored the Robert Indiana's famous MECCA court or the city's connection to water.

Recent Season Records

Here are the results for the last five seasons the Bucks have completed:

Team Personnel

Retired Jersey Numbers

The Bucks have honored many great players by retiring their jersey numbers. This means no other player on the team will wear that number again.

• The NBA retired Bill Russell's No. 6 for all its teams on August 11, 2022.

General Managers

The General Manager (GM) is in charge of building the team, making trades, and drafting players. Here are the people who have been the Bucks' General Manager:

Home Arenas

The Bucks have played in a few different home arenas over the years:

• Milwaukee Arena/Mecca Arena (1968–1988)
• Bradley Center (1988–2018)
• Fiserv Forum (2018–present)

Radio and Television Broadcasts

Most Bucks games are shown on regional cable television through FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin. Some games are also shown on local TV channels like WMLW-TV (English) and WYTU-TV (Spanish).

For many years, Jim Paschke was the TV play-by-play announcer, and former Bucks player Jon McGlocklin was the color commentator. In 2021, Lisa Byington became the new TV play-by-play announcer, making her the first woman to hold this role for a men's professional sports team.

On the radio, Bucks games are broadcast on WTMJ and other stations across Wisconsin.

See also

In Spanish: Milwaukee Bucks para niños