Milwaukee Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins has a long history of running out deep rotations that include a surprisingly long list of big men in prominent roles. That's given the Bucks an easy justification for potentially selecting a power forward or center at No. 10 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Though it's not the most commonly projected pick with Giannis Antetokounmpo still on the roster, there are several prospects who can help Milwaukee enter a new era if the franchise player is ultimately traded.
Jenkins' previous head coaching tenure saw him enlist an against-the-grain strategy in which he rolled out deep rotations with multiple bigs. In 2024-25, for instance, four different power forwards or centers averaged at least 18.9 minutes per game: Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, Zach Edey, and Brandon Clarke.
When Jenkins led the Grizzlies to 51 wins in 2022-23, he played four bigs at least 19.5 minutes per game: Jackson, Steven Adams, Aldama, and Clarke.
Fast forward to 2026 and the Bucks will need to decide if the time has finally come to trade Antetokounmpo. If so, then drafting a big man could help usher in a new era with a high-level prospect helping to anchor the interior.
With Jenkins' strong history of helping his big men realize their potential, the presence of several rising interior forces with significant upside makes this a pick worth considering.
Taylor Jenkins has a long history of winning with big-heavy rotations
In terms of who's projected to be available at No. 10, Hannes Steinbach is a 6'10.25" big with a 7'2" wingspan, a 9'0" standing reach, a solid 248-pound frame, and a dynamic skill set. He also tested well athletically at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine, ranking No. 1 amongst centers in the lane agility drill, No. 5 in the shuttle run, and No. 6 with a max vertical leap of 35.5".
Beyond his physical attributes, Steinbach is a dynamic scorer, impressive passer, respectable shooter, and tremendous rebounder. He proved as much with 2025-26 season averages of 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.2 offensive rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, 1.1 steals, and 0.6 three-point field goals made on .577/.340/.759 shooting.
With Steinbach potentially playing alongside Myles Turner, the Bucks could create an intriguing high-low balance on the offensive end of the floor.
Bucks should seriously consider drafting a big if Giannis is traded
Joining Steinbach in the No. 10 range are Michigan Wolverines teammates and NCAA champions Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara. Lendeborg is a 6'9" big with a 7'3.25" wingspan, a powerful frame, a well-rounded skill set, and heralded qualities as a leader and all-around player.
Mara, meanwhile, is a 7'3" giant with a 7'6" wingspan, a 9'9" standing reach, and eye-opening agility and body control. He's also a proven commodity in terms of excelling at the collegiate level, with the film to prove that he's not just another tall player with optimistic upside.
Instead, Mara is a dominant shot blocker who has the skill to score from the post, the mobility to operate as a pick and roll target, and even the range to space the floor.
The dream outcome, of course, would be for projected top-5 pick Caleb Wilson to slide all the way to No. 10. Even if that doesn't happen, however, the Bucks shouldn't rule out drafting a big man if Antetokounmpo is ultimately traded elsewhere.
Milwaukee needs to invest in the best player available, but they can take solace in Jenkins being uniquely equipped to bring in and develop a high-level center who can play big minutes on a winning team.
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