Hannes Steinbach is among the names the Milwaukee Bucks have done homework on leading up to the NBA Draft, per The Athletic's Sam Vecenie (subscription required). While Steinbach would be an excellent fit in Milwaukee—with or without Giannis Antetokounmpo—he might not be available when the Bucks are on the clock. If they want to beef up the frontcourt still, Chris Cenac is a clear pivot.
Bucks have interest in both frontcourt players
In addition to having interest in Steinbach, the Milwaukee Bucks have already worked out/will work out Cenac, per HoopsHype's workout tracker. While not as highly regarded as a prospect, Cenac is also brimming with potential. He could be worth exploring after a potential-filled season at Houston caught the eye of teams and scouts everywhere.
In 37 games this past season, Cenac flexed plenty of potential. He averaged 9.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game. The numbers might not leap off the page, but Cenac's physical gifts, which include standing at 6-foot-11 and weighing 240 lbs, sure do. He is an elite athlete with plenty of room to further grow into his frame. The Bucks know a thing or two about that—remember early Giannis?
At 19, Cenac is young, making him the exact type of raw, high-upside project the Milwaukee Bucks have been known to love over the years. However, unlike in the past, it would make more sense to take him this time around IF Giannis Antetokounmpo does indeed get traded. That way, the team could actually focus on his development rather than make him an afterthought.
Getting Cenac would require some manuevering
No, the Milwaukee Bucks should not draft Cenac with their 10th overall pick. Some would say that is also too high for Steinbach. In a class this loaded, there are better options likely to be available at the 10th spot. Instead, Milwaukee should look at either player with one of the other picks they could get from other teams.
Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Bucks are calling around the league in search of a third top 20 pick if they were to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. Unrelated to Fischer's reporting, one scenario that has to be under consideration from a speculative standpoint is rerouting Tyler Herro—if Miami lands Giannis—to a third team, such as the Detroit Pistons, to send another first to Milwaukee.
The Pistons hold the 21st pick in the upcoming draft, which would be a far more reasonable spot for the Bucks to grab Cenac. In that scenario, they would also have picks 10 and 13, allowing them to grab two other potential-filled players, such as Labaron Philon Jr. or Darius Acuff Jr., before their Steinbach backup plan.
It all hinges on what happens with Giannis.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
Add us as a preferred source on Google