The Milwaukee Bucks passed on Andrew Nembhard in the 2022 NBA Draft, and it has haunted them ever since. Not only was the Indiana Pacers guard electric in Milwaukee's first-round series this year, but he's also two wins away from helping Indiana reach the NBA Finals. For a franchise that hasn't hit on many draft picks in recent memory, this one stings.
Bucks' 2022 draft move makes current predicament sting
Yes, it's easy to claim, "Wow, the team should have drafted that guy" years after the fact. No one can see the future, but the Bucks passing on Nembhard and seeing what he's become, especially after he worked out for the team prior to the draft, undoubtedly hurts. It's only amplified by the team's current predicament of needing to get younger with few avenues to actually do so.
To pass on Nembhard, the Milwaukee Bucks selected MarJon Beauchamp, who definitely had some potential at the time but was far from a surefire thing. During his two and a half year stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, Beauchamp averaged just 11.4 minutes per game in the regular season and 2.5 in the postseason.
Beauchamp never found his footing with the Bucks, sitting on the sidelines as Nembhard torched Milwaukee in the postseason last year, and he wasn't on the roster to see him do it again this season.
However, he's currently getting a good look with the New York Knicks, where he is a two-way player, as they are down 0-2 to Nembhard and the Pacers.
In 12 playoff games this year, Nembhard is averaging 14.4 points, 5.5 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per contest, shooting an electric 53.1 percent from downtown. He's the definition of a playoff riser, stepping up when his team needs him the most and delivering. The Milwaukee Bucks sure could have used a player like that in their quest to win another title.
Nembhard's stellar play is a good example of why the Milwaukee Bucks must hit on their upcoming draft pick. Even if they aren't a top 20 pick, talent is always out there. The 47th pick might not seem incredibly desirable, but there's always a chance it turns out to be a hidden gem, especially in a class that has countless captivating names projected to be available late.
In the meantime, Nembhard's stellar play on the big stage will be a reminder of what could have been.
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