Bucks' unsurprising decision on MarJon Beauchamp highlights unfortunate reality

Over the years, the Milwaukee Bucks have garnered a reputation for not being able to draft well under this current regimen.

There were high hopes that MarJon Beauchamp, selected 24th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2022 NBA Draft, could shatter that notion. However, after two up and down seasons and with him not in the rotation to start 2024-25, the Bucks have made a decision on him that only amplifies the team's issue when it comes to drafting players.

Per ESPN insider Shams Charania, the Bucks are declining Beauchamp's fourth-year rookie option, which would have seen him earn $4.8 million next season. Now, the youngster will enter free agency next summer with an opportunity to find a new home. Given his limited playing time, this is far from a shocking decision, but it still stings when considering Milwaukee's recent history in the NBA Draft.

MarJon Beauchamp decision highlights draft shortcomings

While their core is primarily composed of veterans, the Milwaukee Bucks have had countless chances to add some young help through the draft over the years. However, time and time again, whoever they take has not been able to carve out a role for themselves. It's an issue that has come back to bite the team in recent memory, so seeing the team admit they swung and missed again certainly stings.

There was no shortage of hype when Beauchamp was first drafted in 2022. With Milwaukee needing a young athletic wing - something they still need - there was plenty of belief that Beauchamp should be able to help. However, he simply never got his feet off the ground at the NBA level, and it appears he's now destined for a fresh start elsewhere, whether it's via trade or free agency.

General manager Jon Horst is not beating the allegations about his draft record being poor after this latest move. While one could argue he's great in terms of trades and even some free-agent signings, the draft has not been his strong suit. The aging Bucks are suffering from a lack of youth currently, so seeing another draft pick end up like this hurts, especially given that he was a first-rounder.

Years down the road, this draft record could be a prominent talking point when discussing how the Giannis Antetokounmpo era panned out when it's all said and done.

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