Courtside With Gale Klappa

As the Milwaukee Bucks begin a new chapter, what will it take to build the franchise's next championship contender? ESPN NBA front office insider Bobby Marks joins Gale Klappa to break down the Bucks' offseason moves, the development of their young roster, and the path toward long-term success. Marks explains why he believes the Bucks made the right decision in trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami, how the NBA's evolving salary cap rules give Milwaukee greater flexibility, and why hiring Taylor Jenkins could be one of the organization's most important moves. He also shares firsthand impressions of rookies Brayden Burries and Nate Ament, offers his assessment of Kel'el Ware's potential, and discusses Tyler Herro's new leadership role. Plus, Marks explains why small-market teams are better positioned to compete in today's NBA and what lessons the Bucks can learn from teams that have successfully built through the draft. His message to Bucks fans? Be patient, focus on player development, and look for progress beyond the win-loss record.

A new era of Milwaukee Bucks basketball is underway, both on and off the court. Bucks President Josh Glessing joins Gale Klappa to discuss the team's future, the excitement surrounding Wisconsin sports, and the changes taking shape across the organization. Glessing explains why head coach Taylor Jenkins was the Bucks' top choice to lead the team, what he's looking for from Milwaukee's young roster, and why players like Kel'el Ware, Nate Ament, and Brayden Burries have him excited about the future. He also reflects on the Brewers' championship run and the special bond between Wisconsin's professional sports teams. Plus, Glessing takes listeners behind the decision to bring Bucks games to free over-the-air television across Wisconsin, shares how his own journey with the franchise came full circle when he became team president, and explains why the Bucks are competing with more than just other NBA teams for fans' time and attention.

A new era of Bucks basketball is underway, and head coach Taylor Jenkins is laying the foundation for Milwaukee's future. Gale Klappa sits down with Jenkins following his first win of the season to discuss his vision for the team and the three principles guiding his approach: "Compete. Together. Get Better." Jenkins breaks down the Bucks' early progress, the importance of establishing a defensive identity, and how Myles Turner's offseason work is already making a difference. He also shares his impressions of Tyler Herro's leadership and the potential of newcomers Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Kasparas Jakučionis as Milwaukee develops its young core. Plus, Jenkins reflects on his unconventional path from studying economics at the University of Pennsylvania to coaching in the NBA, and the mentors who helped him along the way.

A hometown star is back in Milwaukee! Gale Klappa sits down with Bucks guard Tyler Herro for an inside look at his return to Wisconsin and the beginning of a new chapter in his NBA career. Herro reflects on the blockbuster trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami, his family's reaction to the news, and what it means to represent the city where his basketball journey began. Herro also discusses his transition from the Miami Heat, the lessons he learned from Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley, and his growing role as a veteran leader under new Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins. Plus, he shares his excitement about teaming up with Ryan Rollins, breaks down the potential of fellow newcomers Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kasparas Jakučionis, and explains the mentality Milwaukee will need to compete in the Eastern Conference. With a new coaching staff, a young roster, and plenty to prove, Herro offers his perspective on what fans can expect from the next era of Bucks basketball.

A new era of Milwaukee Bucks basketball is about to begin. Gale Klappa sits down with Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam for an in-depth conversation about the franchise's dramatic offseason transformation and the future of basketball in Milwaukee. Haslam discusses the difficult decision to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo, the young talent acquired in return, and why the organization believes now is the right time to build toward its next championship. Haslam also shares his excitement about new head coach Taylor Jenkins, the development of young players like Ryan Rollins and Nate Ament, and what fans can expect from newcomers Tyler Herro and Kel'el Ware. Plus, he discusses the decision to bring Bucks games back to free over-the-air television across Wisconsin, the rising value of professional sports franchises, and his long-term commitment to Milwaukee. With a new roster, a new coach, and a fresh direction, Haslam offers his vision for the Bucks' next chapter and a message to fans as the season tips off.

As the curtain falls on a difficult Bucks season, Gale Klappa sits down with Head Coach Doc Rivers for a candid conversation about what comes next and what can be learned from a year defined by injuries, inconsistency, and persistent Giannis trade speculation. Rivers reflects on how the constant rumors impacted the locker room, the challenge of keeping players focused amid outside noise, and why communication and humility are critical during uncertain times. Doc also shares the emotional story of receiving the call that he’ll be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame this summer, and why his journey always comes back to Marquette and Milwaukee. On the court, he highlights the encouraging growth of young Bucks like Jericho Sims, Cormac Ryan, A.J. Green, and Ryan Rollins, and explains why their development offers hope for the future. It’s an honest, thoughtful season-ending episode about legacy, leadership, and lessons learned through adversity.

In a special episode of Courtside, guest host Jim Paschke sits down with Bucks legend Terry Cummings for a powerful and deeply personal conversation. Cummings reflects on his journey from NBA Rookie of the Year to becoming one of the defining players of Milwaukee’s great teams of the 1980s, and shares why his years with the Bucks remain the most meaningful chapter of his basketball life. The conversation explores Cummings’ memories of playing for Don Nelson, the origins of positionless basketball, and the rugged identity of those unforgettable Bucks teams. He also opens up about leadership, longevity, and what he learned from later stops in San Antonio and his return to Milwaukee. Beyond basketball, Cummings discusses his life as an ordained minister, his perspective on faith, mental health, and mentorship, and the creative outlet he’s found in music and songwriting. It’s a thoughtful look at a Bucks icon whose impact has always reached far beyond the game.

It’s been a whirlwind start in Milwaukee for Ousmane Dieng. Gale Klappa sits down with the Bucks’ young forward to unpack a wild trade deadline journey that saw him dealt multiple times in 48 hours before landing with the Bucks — and immediately stepping into meaningful minutes. Dieng shares his first impressions of the organization, what it’s like learning alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, and how the coaching staff has encouraged him to play freely and confidently. He reflects on his development path from France to Australia to the NBA, his defensive goals, and the challenge of guarding elite scorers like Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell. Plus, Dieng gives insight into the Bucks’ locker room mindset during a tough stretch, his chemistry with rising guard Ryan Rollins, and what he hopes to accomplish as the season winds down.

With just 14 games remaining, the Bucks are running out of runway, and a crucial West Coast trip could define the season’s final chapter. On this episode of Courtside, Gale Klappa sits down with Bucks forward Taurean Prince for a powerful and personal conversation about perseverance, recovery, and the fight ahead. Prince opens up about the neck injury that threatened his career, the surgery and rehab process that brought him back to the court, and the emotional moment of returning to action in front of his family. Beyond his comeback story, Prince shares insight into the current state of the team as Milwaukee continues to battle for a playoff spot, the importance of staying ready amid constant lineup changes, and the mindset needed to navigate adversity late in the season. He also discusses the development of young players like Ousmane Dieng and Ryan Rollins, the leadership and work ethic of Bobby Portis, and why the corner three remains his signature shot. With resilience at the center of both his journey and the team’s outlook, Prince offers a grounded perspective on what comes next, and a message of appreciation for Bucks fans as the season winds down.

Time keeps on ticking, and the Bucks are deep in the NBA stretch run with just 19 games left and little margin for error. On this episode of Courtside, Gale Klappa sits down with Bucks Radio Network play-by-play voice Dave Koehn to take the temperature of Milwaukee’s playoff chase, the frustration that can creep in during a difficult season, and what the team needs to rediscover down the final stretch. Dave breaks down the impact of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s extended absences and ongoing minutes restrictions, how constant lineup shuffling has challenged the team’s identity, and what the Bucks must do to rebuild chemistry while key pieces change around their star. The conversation also highlights bright spots amid the turbulence, including the development of Ryan Rollins, the upside of recent addition Ousmane Dieng, and the leadership and production of Bobby Portis during a standout season. Plus, as March Madness approaches, Dave reflects on calling Virginia’s 2019 national championship run, one of the most memorable tournament rides in college basketball history.