For the first time in a long time, the Milwaukee Bucks will have a chance to add a high-end prospect in this year's NBA Draft. Likely to pick right around ninth, there's no telling who the Bucks could have eyes on in this incredibly loaded draft class, but there are several names participating in this year's NCAA Final Four who should captivate them, forcing them to tune in.
Several players could make an impression on Bucks
Among players still in March Madness who are flirting with being selected within the first 15 picks in this upcoming draft are Arizona's Brayden Burries and Koa Peat, Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg, Illinois' Keaton Wagler, and UConn's Braylon Mullins. All of them have an opportunity to raise their value over these final few games as their NBA dreams are within striking distance.
The guards are intriguing, especially with Milwaukee having a handful of players at the position set to potentially hit the free agent market. Wagler, Burries, and Mullins all offer intriguing size at the guard spot, a recipe the Bucks should only continue to hammer home after finding success with players in Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr.
Peat and Lendeborg would offer versatile size in the frontcourt. It's no secret that the Bucks explored trading both Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma this year, and if they do so again in the summer, they could need more bodies immediately. If the Bucks' focus remains on competing, Lendeborg might be the safer pick due to his experience, but Peat could change that if he raises his stock coming up.
Bucks could repeat history depending on draft selection
It wouldn't be the first time the Milwaukee Bucks selected a player due to their performance in the Final Four. In 2017, the Bucks took Donte DiVincenzo in the first round after his strong showing for Villanova, who defeated Michigan. He undeniably raised his stock in those games, and the Bucks selected the Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
The Milwaukee Bucks getting any of these players would make some level of sense, especially with the guards. Wagler or Burries, in particular, would be perfect fits. Either could perfectly slot into the backcourt and help the team from day one next season. Whether Giannis Antetokounmpo is in town or not, Milwaukee needs that.
There's no telling which direction the Milwaukee Bucks will go in right now because the evaluation is still ongoing; every player has a chance to alter their stock.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
