Even though the Milwaukee Bucks face a tough offseason ahead, they are in possession of two picks in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. Among those projected to be selected by the front office is Indiana’s Kel’el Ware.
Ware first entered the scene as a freshman playing for Oregon in college. While he was off to a promising start, even projected to be selected in the 2023 NBA Draft, the big man’s playing time declined due to the coaching staff’s belief that he had an inconsistent work ethic. During that 35-game stretch, he averaged 6.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per contest.

Ultimately, he would leave Oregon and enter the transfer portal towards Indiana. Unlike his time as a freshman, Ware would fare better in his second year in college basketball.
Over the course of 30 games, the center posted 15.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.9 blocks on a nightly basis. He also shot 58 percent from the field and improved his three-point shot to 42 percent on limited attempts. After the Hoosiers were eliminated by Nebraska in the Big Ten Tournament, Ware went on and declared himself for the NBA Draft.
Kel’el Ware Projected as Possible Milwaukee Bucks Draft Target

Like Purdue big man Zach Edey, Milwaukee has a chance to use one of its two picks to select Ware. According to an article written by William Moxon for Behind the Buck Pass, there are several advantages of getting the Indiana center for next season.
“Partnering him with Giannis would be no different to Lopez being there, allowing the spacing for Giannis to attack the paint but providing good size and mobility on the defensive side of the ball, too.
In the Big Ten Tournament, he scored 26 points in three of four games, and they were all close games, showing his ability to work down the stretch and score at all levels. Indiana not featuring in March Madness might hinder his stock, but that also means he may fall further down the pecking order and still be there when Milwaukee make their pick.
His workouts, where he can show off his physicals and shooting, will possibly make him a more enticing draft pick, but there is the potential for the Bucks to make the move to grab Ware,” Moxon wrote.
As it stands, the Milwaukee has a pair of picks in its possession for the upcoming draft. If the front office uses it on Ware, they can potentially gain an elite defender on one end of the court and a serviceable three-point shooting big man on the other to space the floor. If this becomes a reality, the Bucks’ core becomes younger and more athletic.

It remains to be seen how Milwaukee will use its picks in the coming months. What’s certain is that Ware deserves some consideration, especially with the of the advantages he brings to the table.

For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow us on Twitter at @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.