Bucks Draft Options Are Limited
The 58-24 Milwaukee Bucks have one second round selection in Thursday’s 2023 NBA Draft in Chicago The Bucks, who lost to the Heat in the first round, need some good young players in the worst way. Hopefully they can acquire a young player (or two) who can add some speed and energy.
At least the Bucks have a pick. The Knicks, the Bulls and 76er’s do not have a single pick in the 2023 NBA draft. The Bucks, the Celtics, the Cavaliers, the Suns and Timberwolves also do not have a first round pick in the draft. The Sixers lost their 2023 second-round pick after they were disciplined for tampering last summer in free agency with the P.J. Tucker and Daniel House Jr. signings. The Pacers and Jazz have three first round picks. The Nets, the Hornets, the Rockets and Magic have two first round picks.
So what should the Bucks do with their lone pick? Could they still package up a Grayson Allen or Jrue Holiday for some additional picks?
Let’s look at some options. Here are three “Possible Picks” for the Bucks. All three of these players should be able to play right away: a plus.
Related: Re-Drafting the 2016 NBA Draft
Oscar Tshiebwe Kentucky, PF/C
A big body and a player that is a little older, Tshiebwe could slot in right away as a back-up center. Milwaukee could use a rebounder and an active, physical body with the 23-year-old. He has some mid-range touch but is not known to be a great three point shooter. That would have been a problem in Coach Bud’s system.
This pick is a pretty safe pick. Tshiebwe projects as a possible starter in a couple of years at best. Again, he just does not shoot particularly well. But he is big and really could help function as a rim protector.(This also seems to be the player that is “mocked” most to the Bucks.)
Adam Flagler – Baylor, Guard
Again, a player that is a little older (23) by NBA standards, Flager could help add some scoring punch to the Bucks. He has a Malcom Brogdon feel to his game.
He could really shoot the three well (over 40%). The problem is Flager doesn’t shoot the two particularly well (42%) He is a good free throw shooter (80%). He also does well at creating his own shot. He just did not seem to get, maybe, as many transition buckets as he needed to get a higher field goal percentage.
His defense is good. But he also is not known as a defender if that makes sense.
Mojave King, guard, G-League Ignite
Like Flager adding a guard could really help. There is some significant value here for the Bucks. The New Zealand player is 21 years old and is listed at 6’5”. He plays shooting guard. He is not as strong of a three-point shooter as Flager. But he is young, quick, and he tended to put off points in bunches for the SouthLand Sharks.
King is known as a pretty good defender. The Bucks would be wise to grab him if he is available.
Things to tell your buddies as you are watching the draft
- Teams either have picks (The Jazz, OKC, or Houston) or they don’t (The Bulls, T-Wolves and Cavs). That tends to be the “new NBA”. If some picks can get you a Donovan Mitchell or a Rudy Gobert, teams have been quick to make the deal.
- Michael Jordan was drafted 3rd overall in the 1984 NBA draft.
- The Bucks have had a few number one overall picks: Andrew Bogut in 2005, Glenn Robinson in 1994, and Kent Benson in 1997. Of course drafting Kareem Abdul-Jabar #1 overall in 1969 helped put the team on the path to its first NBA championship.
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