While most of the attention around the Milwaukee Bucks is about how they’re gearing up for the playoffs and getting ready to defend their title, it’s also never too early to start thinking about how they’re going to use that 2022 first-round pick. And hey, it’s March Madness so we’re all thinking about college ball to some degree right now!
The Bucks haven’t had a first-rounder that they’ve kept since 2018 (Donte DiVincenzo) and haven’t had a first-round pick (or a draft pick in general) reach his second contract with the team since 2013 (Giannis Antetokounmpo).
Milwaukee has one of the oldest rosters by average age, despite a concerted effort trying to get key role players in the prime age of their careers to fit around Antetokounmpo. The temptation here is to say that the Bucks should trade out of the first round and get more second-rounders, but at some point, they’re going to have to add some younger talent and see if they can hit on a late first-round guy to add cheap talent for four years. Here are a few guys that could be available when the Bucks pick.
Early 2022 NBA Draft prospects the Milwaukee Bucks should consider: Blake Wesley, guard, Notre Dame
There’s the potential that Blake Wesley, a freshman, could go back to school for another year as he’d likely be a late first-round guy and could benefit from another season at Notre Dame, but if he declares after his tournament is over, I’d be very intrigued by him as an option for the Bucks.
He’s a 6’5″, 185-pound combo guard that has shown some very fun self-creation flashes in his freshman season, leading Notre Dame in scoring and helping them get into the tournament.
A four-star recruit, Wesley has surprised many by how much his game has progressed in his first season with the Fighting Irish. He started the season averaging over 14 points per game on 54 percent true shooting and 34 percent from 3 on over five attempts in 14 games. Not mind-blowing, but a nice start to a four-star recruits career.
His 3-point shooting has regressed since then as he’s shooting just 31 percent from deep on the season but is still shooting nearly 48 percent on 2-point attempts.
Wesley is a dynamic offensive self-creator and that’s not really something the Bucks have had coming off their bench in particular. Wesley wouldn’t be someone who would step in right away for real rotation minutes, but I’d be interested in him as someone for them to develop.