Milwaukee Bucks: 15 best draft picks in franchise history

14. Ersan Ilyasova

Although feelings on him were often mixed among fans throughout his tenure with the Bucks, Ersan Ilyasova proved to be a steal for his draft standing as he was a valuable rotation cog across seven seasons in Milwaukee.

Taken as the 36th pick of the 2005 draft, Ilyasova was a little known prospect who had been playing professionally in Turkey. Ilyasova came to the NBA immediately, but after a modest rookie season he returned to Europe where he spent two seasons with Barcelona before returning for a more central role in Milwaukee.

During that second spell, Ilyasova improved as a shooter and a scorer, excelled as a rebounder and gained a cult reputation for his defensive intelligence and ability to draw charges.

Toward the end of his time in Milwaukee, Ilyasova’s contract certainly shaded the perception of the forward, but his overall consistency and production represents a big success story for a second round pick.

Since leaving the Bucks, Ilyasova has continued to make an impact, offering up rare and impressive longevity for a player selected in his range on draft night.