If the Milwaukee Bucks trade Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, their frontcourt will look different from what it has in many years. Although whatever haul they get won't immediately fill his shoes, they could be gifted an opportunity to employ a handful of talented pieces who could grow into mainstay contributors, including Kel'el Ware, Hannes Steinbach, and Bogoljub Markovic.
All three could be on Milwaukee's opening night roster
How do all three land in Milwaukee? If the Bucks send their star to the Miami Heat, Ware has been mentioned as one of the pieces undoubtedly heading to Milwaukee. The Bucks would also have two first-rounders after that and could use one of them on Steinbach, the Washington big man. Lastly, Markovic must simply join the team after spending last year overseas. All of that is possible.
In a world without Giannis, all three players would have an opportunity to spread their wings and see a prominent role from day one. Ware's minutes with the Heat were hot and cold; that would not happen in Milwaukee. Steinbach could immediately get his feet wet after one college season. Markovic could look to build off his MVP-winning overseas season with key NBA minutes. The recipe is there.
What the Milwaukee Bucks get from each player
Ware has the potential to be a reliable two-way big man in this league for years to come. Over his first two seasons, he's averaged 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 36.9 percent on his 3-pointers. Playing around 22 minutes per game, the Milwaukee Bucks could look to unearth him by making him a full-time starter to potentially find their long-term center.
Steinbach, someone The Athletic's Sam Vecenie (subscription required) says is indeed on the Bucks' radar leading up to the draft, is a fascinating prospect. In his lone season at Washington, the forward averaged 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. In addition to his strong productivity, Steinbach's physical tools are off the charts. He boasts so much potential.
As mentioned, Markovic is coming off an MVP season in the AdmiralBet ABA League. He averaged an impressive line of 18.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and a steal and a block apiece. While he was still raw when the Bucks drafted him, the forward has taken significant strides over the last year and could be a jack of all trades with his scoring, passing, and defense.
No, that might not be an All-Star trio who helps lead the Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA Playoffs right off the bat, but the potential is undeniable. That trio boasts the size, strength, and instincts on both sides of the ball to potentially give the Bucks something to build with next season. Above all else, it would be nice to have a handful of strong rebounders after last year's recurring woes.
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