10 years ago, the Milwaukee Bucks made the fatal mistake of drafting Thon Maker at No. 10 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft. Maker played just three seasons with the Bucks and was out of the NBA after five. To make matters worse, just one pick later, the Oklahoma City Thunder landed Domantas Sabonis—a player who has since become a two-time All-NBA honoree.
Fast forward 10 years and the Bucks have an opportunity to rectify a past mistake by drafting a player at No. 10 overall who has drawn comparisons to Sabonis himself: Hannes Steinbach.
Steinbach, much like Sabonis, has been heralded as one of the best offensive big men in his draft class. He can pass, dribble, and shoot, posts up with impressive skill and body control, and has even showcased the ability to space the floor.
The Bucks certainly have options at No. 10 overall, but if Giannis Antetokounmpo is ultimately traded, then Steinbach should at least be on their radar.
Hannes Steinbach could be a Domantas Sabonis do-over 10 years later
Steinbach stands at 6'10.25" without shoes and 248 pounds with a 7'2.25" wingspan and a 9'0" standing reach. He put his physical gifts to use during his freshman season with the Washington Huskies, making his mark on both ends of the floor.
Steinbach finished the 2025-26 campaign with averages of 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.2 offensive boards, 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, 1.1 steals, and 0.6 three-point field goals made on .577/.340/.759 shooting.
The numbers accurately reflect several compelling skills. For one, Steinbach has three-level scoring proficiency. He can post up, thrive as a pick-and-roll option, drive from 24 feet, and knock down midrange and three-point jump shots.
Steinbach is also one of the best offensive rebounders in his class and a high-level screener, which is where the Sabonis comparisons are primarily derived from.
Hannes Steinbach is the pass-dribble-shoot big the Bucks need
The skill that Steinbach's statistics fail to reflect in an adequate manner is that he's a tremendous passer. Much like Sabonis, he can operate from the low post, the elbows, or even the top of the key as a facilitator who finds slashers and shooters with remarkable precision.
Steinbach has even proven adept at occasionally running the pick and roll as the ball handler, which would make him an intriguing fit alongside Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner if they're still with the team.
Clearly, drafting Steinbach does rely at least somewhat on clarity being created at the interior positions. There's also reason to believe that there are other priorities worth placing higher on the list than improving the future at center.
It's simply poetic that, 10 years later, the Bucks have a chance to make up for passing on Sabonis by drafting a player who's drawing comparisons to him.
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