Milwaukee Bucks: 15 best draft picks in franchise history
By Adam McGee
5. Marques Johnson
Having packaged Swen Nater and the 13th pick from the Bulls for the rights to Buffalo’s third overall pick just three days prior to draft night, the Bucks headed into the 1977 draft holding the first and third picks and in prime position to kickstart their next period of dominance.
Kent Benson was taken with the first overall pick, but considering how he underwhelmed for that standing throughout his NBA days, it was crucial that the Bucks were able to make a success of the third overall pick by taking Marques Johnson.
Having already had significant success in drafting a UCLA prospect, Johnson proved to be a perfect fit for the Bucks.
Johnson ‘s scoring touch and impressive playmaking skills helped him to become a focal point of a new era of Bucks basketball, and a key influence for the offensive innovations coach Don Nelson made which changed the shape of the NBA.
In terms of ability and production, a strong case could certainly be made for Johnson being the third best player in Bucks’ franchise history. Even in a draft where Bernard King was ultimately selected seventh, picking up Johnson at No. 3 was a great move. If only they could have had a do-over at No.1, though…