Milwaukee Bucks fans must continue to have faith and trust in Jon Horst

Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst held his first off-season press conference yesterday since the teams second round game seven playoff loss to the Boston Celtics. In typical Horst fashion, he didn’t give away any secrets, but gave a clear indication and reminder as to how he approaches the off-season.

Since Jon Horst became general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks, fans have become accustomed to using the phrase “In Horst we trust.” Heading into his fifth year at the helm with one championship and Executive of the Year under his belt, there is no doubt he will continue to improve the roster.

This all starts with next Thursday’s NBA Draft. Horst indicated at yesterday’s press conference that all possibilities are on the table.

The Milwaukee Bucks hold the 24th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Horst will have a plethora of options on the table, in terms of whether or not he will draft and develop a player or trade the pick.

One thing he made clear during his press conference is that he wants the flexibility in order to make the best possible moves to improve the roster. That could come in the way of drafting and developing a prospect who can come in from day one, fill an immediate need and contribute right off the bat.

Flexibility could also come in the way of gaining more draft capital to use in future trades. Another option is to gain more salary cap flexibility by trading an existing player on the roster and saving money.

Whether or not they draft and develop a prospect at #24 or trade the pick for draft capital or an existing player, one thing is clear. Horst wants well-rounded, two-way players who will fit into the team’s culture and can gel with the existing roster and coaching staff.

Players who can contribute on both ends of the floor – offense and defense – and are successful at both, are usually the kind of guys Horst, upper management and the coaching staff are looking for to add to the roster. Since Horst has become the general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks, this team has been built with hard working and high quality players.

This is no secret. When looking at the big three – Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday – no players epitomize this more on the roster, and perhaps in the league, than them.

If Horst decides to draft a player at #24, you can be sure that it will be a two-way player who plays hard-nosed defense, at least. Otherwise, he will be scratched off their draft board.

After listening to Horst’s press conference, one player that screams this is E.J. Liddell. The 6’7″ 240 lb. junior forward out of Ohio State is very athletic, versatile on both ends of the floor and plays a similar style game to Grant Williams of the Boston Celtics.

Horst alluded to how valuable and important shot creation and shot making is, specifically having guys centered around Giannis who can create space and make shots. He flat out said to not be surprised if the Bucks continue to find guys who can make shots.

In the past, ownership is more to blame than Horst for certain decisions, specifically when it comes to going into or over and above the luxury tax, which might have helped the team win another championship or two. Not re-signing free agent P.J. Tucker this past offseason is a prime example.

If it’s any indication, from the tone of what Horst indicated, it seems as though this offseason will be different. This will hopefully result in ownership being finally okay with paying the luxury tax.

Only time will tell as to what comes to fruition with the moves the Milwaukee Bucks make this off-season. One thing is certain though.

It was very reassuring to hear Jon Horst speak so candidly and open about the teams plans heading into next season and beyond. Under Horst’s watch, this team will continue to evolve, which will ultimately lead to another championship or two under their belts.