Ranking the top 5 draft prospects for Milwaukee Bucks with 24th pick

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 29 (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 29 (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
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Ohio State Buckeyes: E.J. Liddell
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – FEBRUARY 27: (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

Ranking the top 5 draft prospects for Milwaukee Bucks with 24th pick

1. E.J. Liddell

School: Ohio State

Position: Power Forward

Height: 6’7″

The most realistic top draft prospect for the Milwaukee Bucks to target in the late stage of the first round is Ohio State’s E.J. Liddell, a two-way forward with the ideal package for the modern NBA. Liddell won’t become a star in the league despite being a star in college, but he’ll be one of those guys that should become an absolute 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 and smooth shooting mechanics. On the defensive side of the ball, 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 lack of height at his position.

Even though the versatile forward plays at power forward like the two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, he’d immediately be a productive asset off the bench as a floor spacer, hard screener, and reactive passer while doing the dirty work as a physical defensive beast that could also unlock essential small-ball lineups for the Bucks. Liddell would be more than a swiss army knife at the forward position.

Imagine a taller P.J. Tucker with a hint of Draymond Green that can shoot the ball at an efficient rate. That’s how valuable E.J. Liddell could turn out to be, a true star in his role. He’s NBA-ready and someone that could see key postseason minutes for a title-contender as a rookie.

Drafting E.J. Liddell with the 24th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft would be the ultimate prize for the Milwaukee Bucks as they prepare to strengthen the supporting cast this offseason. Stay tuned for more coverage on the draft in these coming weeks.