Milwaukee Bucks: 10 potential prospects with 24th pick in NBA Draft
Milwaukee Bucks: 10 potential prospects with 24th pick in NBA Draft
E.J. Liddell
School: Ohio State
Position: Power Forward
Height: 6’7″
Folks, E.J. Liddell has the ideal two-way package for the modern NBA. Liddell won’t be a star in this league, but he’ll be one of those guys that should become a star in his role.
Offensively, the 21-year-old can efficiently score at all three levels whether it’s raining threes, knocking down mid-range shots, or finishing around the rim with craftiness, precision, and a smooth shooting stroke. Defensively, Liddell uses his strength, athleticism, and high IQ to disrupt plays, block shots, and protect the paint while rebounding at an impressive rate for his size.
The versatile forward has shades of Boston’s Grant Williams in him and even a bit of Draymond Green too. Even though Liddell plays the same position as superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, he’d immediately be a productive asset off the bench as a floor spacer, screener, passer, and strong defender that could also unlock essential small-ball lineups for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Malaki Branham
School: Ohio State
Position: Shooting Guard
Height: 6’5″
As a gifted scorer and firm defender, Malaki Branham has a high ceiling in the NBA. His development and work ethic will play a key part on how far Branham meets his potential, but the pathway for the 19-year-old wing to blossom into a dynamic star is certainly there.
He’s an efficient scorer, especially from the mid-range spots, and has an attack-first mindset. Branham isn’t the fastest guard, but he’s patient, confident, mindful, and a tough shot-maker. It may take time for him to get accustomed to the NBA, yet any team willing to take him will be betting on his upside.
The Bucks could picture him as a microwave scorer off the bench with major room for growth each year. Non-contending teams with a more long-term future approach would favor Malaki Branham the most, but Branham might be too talented for Milwaukee to pass on if he’s still on the board at 24.