The 2025 NBA Draft is approaching, and the Milwaukee Bucks hold the 47th overall pick. There are plenty of prospects they could lock in on, creating a diverse range of opinions. With all that in mind, the Behind the Buck Pass staff has come together to discuss their preferred picks.
Who should the Bucks take 47th?
Dalton Sell: Hunter Sallis. The Milwaukee Bucks need youth, athleticism, scoring, pesky defense, and experienced collegiate players. Sallis checks off all of those boxes. The Wake Forest product dazzled with 18.3 points per game last season and 18 the year before. He's a smooth-scoring wing who could add some needed juice to the Bucks in Lillard's absence.
Will Moxon: I'd like the Bucks to go with Max Shulga at 47. His ability to shoot and not turn the ball over will really help the Bucks this season with Damian Lillard out. When Dame returns, he can still form a nice duo in the backcourt with his effort and versatility. It's a strange draft for Milwaukee with them needing to address issues throughout the roster.
Franco Luna: If the Bucks are serious about getting longer, switchier, and more modern at the forward spot, Coleman Hawkins makes all the sense in the world at No. 47. He’s a 6-foot-9 do-it-all big who defends multiple positions, keeps the ball moving, and even if the numbers don't pop off the stat sheet, has just enough touch to project as a real floor spacer with development. The Bucks don’t need another isolation scorer; they need guys who can dribble, pass, and shoot around Giannis. Hawkins checks those boxes with the added bonus of being a smart, team-first defender who averaged over four assists, nearly two steals, and more than a block per game last year. He’s, in my opinion, just the kind of glue guy Milwaukee has never once had next to Giannis in this era of Bucks basketball.
John Sbisa: Of the several main options I've seen, I still like John Tonje a good bit for them. He seems like a good plug-and-play role player who could hopefully create for himself a little. He's 24 and has six years of college, so if they're looking for immediate help, it will be hard to do better from a physical/emotional maturity standpoint. Assuming Giannis stays, I'd prefer they target a wing/guard like Tonje over a natural power forward (I've seen Broome mocked to the Bucks) and focus on developing Smith there. There's also the Wisconsin connection - not super relevant, but a nice touch.
Jackson Gordon: Johni Broome (Auburn) - He might be gone when the Bucks are up at the 47th pick (a lot of mock drafts have him in the 35-45 range). There are questions about his speed and athleticism being a problem at the next level (which may cause him to slip). Despite that, he has real size at 6-foot-10 and the ability to block shots, score, and rebound in the low post. He is mature (fifth-year player), has a high basketball IQ, and an array of post moves. Older players like Broome (22) tend to transition more quickly to the NBA, which bodes well for a team needing to stay competitive, like Milwaukee.
Landon Swan: The Bucks should consider selecting Jaxson Robinson with the 47th pick if he's available. The 6-foot-5 wing has steadily improved throughout his college career, shooting 37.6 percent from three in the 2024–25 season. He shows flashes of shot creation, has excellent body control, and plays with poise. With a 6-foot-11 wingspan, he's already a solid defender and has the tools to become an impactful two-way player.
Nathan Marzion: There are several solid wings that I think could be available at 47, but my favorite would probably be Jamir Watkins from Florida State. I think he has the size on the wing that the Bucks need (6-foot-6, 215 lbs with a near 7-foot wingspan) and also a skillset that they are looking for. He is very athletic, can handle the ball and attack the rim, and defends multiple positions. Seems like the type of big versatile wing prospect that the Bucks should be looking for.
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