Plenty of mock drafts, including Sam Vecenie's latest for The Athletic (subscription required), have the Milwaukee Bucks taking Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr. this summer. Though undeniably a talented young prospect, Brown's lingering back injury has been cause for concern ahead of the draft. Yet, it looks like he might have kicked that issue to the curb.
ESPN's Bobby Marks visited Brown in Orlando recently. In a video posted to social media, Brown looks like he's moving well. The best part? Marks notes that Brown has fully recovered from his back injury, giving teams like the Milwaukee Bucks the clarity they need to potentially draft him in the lottery this coming offseason without any initial concerns.
Took a trip up to Orlando to see projected lottery pick Mikel Brown Jr.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) May 5, 2026
Has fully recovered from a back injury that ended his season early. pic.twitter.com/rtIt00CBKi
A healthy Brown is an intriguing prospect
There were flashes of greatness in Brown's season, highlighted by a three-game stretch from Feb. 9 through Feb. 17.
He kicked things off with 45 points, nine rebounds, and three steals, making 10 of his 16 triple tries in a win over NC State. He followed that up with 29 points, six assists, and five steals in another win vs. Baylor. He rounded it out with 29 points again, this time with five rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two steals against SMU. There's plenty to unpack there.
Each game had fascinating takeaways and showed the different ways Brown can impact basketball. Making 10 triples en route to scoring 45 points? High-level scorer. Five steals? Great awareness as a pest. Six assists? Solid vision as a passer. Two blocks? Strong shot-blocking capabilities. The sample size isn't huge, but the potential is undeniably clear with the 20-year-old.
He was a captivating prospect even with the back injury. If healthy, Brown's allure only increases.
Brown's potential fit with the Milwaukee Bucks
Plenty of mock drafts have the Bucks taking a guard, and understandably so. Ryan Rollins is the only clear ball-handling guard on the roster heading into next year.
The Milwaukee Bucks would likely love to re-sign Kevin Porter Jr. after he likely declines his option, but there's no telling if they will. If Porter walks, Brown could immediately see extended minutes to start his NBA career. If he lives up to the hype, he and Ryan Rollins could instantly become a nice duo in the backcourt.
If Porter returns, whether through opting into his option or re-signing at a different number, a guard should not be ruled out in the draft. The San Antonio Spurs employ a three-headed monster in the backcourt with De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, giving them three go-to options. While no one is saying the Bucks would have that right away, it could be something to build towards.
If the Milwaukee Bucks end up taking Brown in this draft, it just became much more justifiable with this update on his back.
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