Ryan Dunn felt like the obvious choice when the Milwaukee Bucks were on the clock in the NBA Draft back in 2024. However, the team passed on the defensive-first, NBA-ready small forward in favor of AJ Johnson, a raw prospect with potential who was years away from being able to showcase it with any consistency. That decision certainly stings amid Milwaukee's recent issues.
Bucks could use a defensive ace at the small forward spot
Since losing Wesley Matthews after the 2022-23 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks haven't had a go-to wing defender who can provide constant versatility. Plenty of names have come and gone, but the Bucks' defense hasn't found its answer. That's the primary reason taking Dunn felt like an absolute no-brainer for the Bucks.
During his sophomore season at Virginia, Dunn proved to be arguably the most versatile defender in the entire country. His 6-foot-8 height paired with his 7-foot-1 wingspan allowed him to lock down an opponent no matter their size. He was exactly the type of player the Milwaukee Bucks needed to break free from their curse, but they passed on him.
Dunn went on to be selected by the Phoenix Suns, who are thrilled he fell into their lap. In his first two seasons with the Suns, Dunn has been an excellent defender, picking up right where he left off in the NCAA. Meanwhile, AJ Johnson, Milwaukee's pick, didn't even last one season with the Bucks and is now in Washington. Gamble failed.
It feels like the Bucks passed on Dunn due to his offensive limitations. There were concerns coming out of college, where he averaged just 5.5 points on 23.5 percent 3-point shooting in two seasons. Even with that, picking him would have been justifiable. To rub salt in the wound, Dunn has shown improvement offensively in Phoenix, averaging 7.2 points on 31.4 percent 3-point shooting.
In Milwaukee, things are grim at small forward. Gary Trent Jr. was too small to hold down the starting spot for long. Amir Coffey was a dud. Thanasis Antetokounmpo isn't playing. Taurean Prince is out of the lineup due to neck surgery. The Bucks are struggling to fill the gaps. Having a player like Dunn sure could have helped fill that void at small forward.
There's no telling where the Milwaukee Bucks go from here. There are no clear answers. They dug themselves into this hole.
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