Milwaukee Bucks Point Forward Podcast

Bucks reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jim Owczarski, and host JR Radcliffe dive into the incident Jan. 13 when the Milwaukee Bucks took a lopsided loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Giannis Antetokounmpo took exception to some fan booing. Has the dynamic with the fan base changed? Does it portend anything about his long-term stay with the organization, or are we actually headed toward Giannis signing an offseason extension? More importantly, is there anything the Bucks can do at the trade deadline that will bring this team back from its current state, well off the pace among the leaders in the Eastern Conference? Ja Morant? Zach LaVine? A new coach? And what in the world is going on with a team that hasn't been able to beat injury-depleted opponents?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

We'll get back to Milwaukee Bucks content soon enough, but here's a special episode marking the re-launch of the Journal Sentinel podcast covering the University of Wisconsin, primarily football and basketball. Host JR Radcliffe and Badgers reporters Mark Stewart and John Steppe look at the stumbling blocks that put the football program in such bad shape, an issue highlighted by a tough national signing day Dec. 3. How does Wisconsin get back on its feet? Did they make a mistake keeping Luke Fickell? They also talk about the men's basketball team on the heels of a win in its Big Ten opener and check in with the women's hoops team and its new coach, plus a look at the women's volleyball team's NCAA journey ahead.Find the Wisconsin Badgers Podcast (and help us give it a new name) on Apple Podcasts, as well as Spotify.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Jim Owczarski joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury, one that forced him from a game in Cleveland and leaves the immediate future cloudy for the Milwaukee Bucks star. It's not as if the team had been thriving with him either, having lost recent games to the Hornets, Lakers and now the Cavaliers. How much trouble are the Bucks in? Even if Giannis comes back quickly, who else needs to step up to get the Bucks back on a clear playoff trajectory? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

The Bucks had a couple uplifting victories (without Giannis Antetokounmpo against Golden State and with his buzzer-beater in Indiana) but also a couple clunkers (Sacramento and Toronto) over the past week. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins host JR Radcliffe to ponder the whistle that Giannis isn't getting, and the growing concern that he'll get hurt badly if teams are allowed to hack him to pieces. They talk Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, the added injury time for Kevin Porter Jr., a thrilling win and a heel-turn from Antetokounmpo in Indiana and more. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

The Milwaukee Bucks opened the 2025-26 season with a bang, a 133-120 win over the Washington Wizards and a celebration of Khris Middleton. But Kevin Porter Jr. left the game with an injury, leaving an early hole for a team that entered the season pretty healthy. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss the huge opening statement by Giannis Antetokounmpo, AJ Green's extension, Ryan Rollins absorbing big minutes, the departure of Tyler Smith (leaving the roster with zero draft picks aside from Giannis), the usage of Bobby Portis and more. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Free agency has arrived! The Milwaukee Bucks made a splash on July 1, signing Myles Turner and waiving Damian Lillard to make it work. Lillard, who wasn't due back until late in the 2025-26 season, if at all, now becomes a free agent after two years with the Bucks. Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss it. How should we term Lillard's tenure in Milwaukee?The Bucks are also bringing back many of the same players, including Gary Trent Jr. on a team-friendly deal, plus Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., Taurean Prince and Jericho Sims. Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton bid adieu, on their way to Los Angeles and Charlotte, respectively. Will Lopez get his number retired eventually?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

What's the likelihood that Giannis Antetokounmpo is back next season, and is there any way the Bucks can compete for a title? The answers to those questions might surprise you. Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins host JR Radcliffe to examine the big decisions looming for the Bucks this offseason. How do the Bucks define "competitive," and are we sure a re-tooled team with Giannis can't meet that definition in the years ahead? Will Doc Rivers be back as coach? Which players will be Milwaukee's priority in free agency?