If you only have one chance, you need to make it count. This year, the Milwaukee Bucks hold only one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft—the 47th overall selection. Is it possible to find a contributor in the second round of the draft? The Bucks have done it before, having selected Malcolm Brogdon at 36, who went on to become the Rookie of the Year in 2016. Finding another hidden gem could help.
Brogdon's maturity is what made the difference
Brogdon was a pleasant surprise during his rookie season, averaging 10.2 points, 4.2 assists (which led all rookies), and 1.1 steals per game (also a rookie high). While those numbers are solid, it was his maturity and consistency that made the difference. He was a perfect fit alongside an up-and-coming Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, stretching the floor for them to operate and capitalizing on a shifting defense when the opposition collapsed on the two stars.
A lot of Brogdon's success could have been due to his age when he was drafted (23), which is much older than the 18 to 19-year-olds we are now accustomed to seeing come out of the draft. A similar strategy should be used again this time around if they want to yield the same results.
With Middleton now playing for the Wizards, Giannis' future in question, and Damian Lillard likely sidelined with an injury for most of next season, the Milwaukee Bucks seem to be entering a new era filled with uncertainty. Successfully selecting an NBA-ready player, as they did in 2016, could help kick off this new chapter on the right foot.
Building through the draft with limited assets
The Bucks have used almost every asset to build a championship roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Whether it was the onslaught of picks sent to New Orleans in the Jrue Holiday trade (worth it) or the five second-rounders sent to acquire Jae Crowder from Phoenix back in 2023 (not worth it), the Bucks have not stood pat in their attempts to keep their superstar happy.
Now more than ever, hitting on the limited picks they do have is crucial. Finding a young, inexpensive player in this year's draft that can contribute right away would be incredibly valuable for a team trying to keep Giannis while also preparing for a future that may not include him.
There’s a common belief that you can’t find quality talent in the draft with only a second-round pick. But this year’s playoffs prove otherwise. Players like Sam Merrill, Dean Wade, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart — all from Eastern Conference teams — have played meaningful minutes in the first two rounds and were all drafted later than the 30th pick or not drafted at all.
Getting younger and cheaper makes sense
We've seen it in this year's playoffs: younger, more inexpensive teams have advanced further than ever before. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are on rookie deals for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Christian Braun, Julian Strawther and Benedict Mathurin for the Nuggets and Pacers are all on rookie-scale deals and contributing to these high-caliber playoff teams.
Rotation players on inexpensive contracts allow the front office to round out the roster more effectively, which can pay high dividends in May and June, especially for a team with two max players like Giannis and Lillard.
With the 47th pick in this year’s draft, the Bucks can find a diamond in the rough — a solid role player or even a potential star. Doing so would allow them to get younger, more athletic and cheaper. The Bucks have had success before in the second round with Malcolm Brogdon, and there is no reason they can't do it again. This pick might be the first piece the Bucks need to build toward another title — or more pressingly, convince a certain superstar to stay in Milwaukee.