The upcoming 2026 NBA Draft is loaded with guards, and the Milwaukee Bucks take one in the latest mock from The Athletic's Sam Vecenie (subscription required). Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr. goes 10th overall to the Bucks in Vecenie's simulation despite legitimate concerns about his back injury making the rounds leading up to the draft. It's the definition of high-risk, high-reward.
Bucks' mock pick has a lingering back issue
Brown missed time later in the season due to this back injury. As Vecenie notes, scouts are wondering if this injury is a short or long term issue. Right now, there is no answer. Any team that takes him would immediately inherit this concern, making him far from a sure thing. Yet, if someone believes in him just enough, perhaps they would be willing to look past that.
It would be a lot to ask of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Injuries have been a colossal issue for Milwaukee over the years. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton have all missed significant playoff time over the last handful of seasons, hindering the team's post-title success. After an injury-plagued 2025-26, it would be shocking if the Bucks used their most valuable asset on a player with major injury concerns, though not impossible.
The guard can certainly alter his stock leading up to the NBA Draft by offering scouts and front office members an update. If the back is feeling better, it becomes far less worrisome. If the injury is still in the picture, perhaps Brown's place in mock drafts starts slipping further. It's the unfortunate reality for a player in his situation.
Even when healthy, Brown has soem sizeable concerns
As highlighted by Vecenie, there were times Brown looked like a top-five pick; his 45-point effort vs. NC State was certainly among them. On his best day, he's an incredible bucket-getter who could be a complementary piece to someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo from day one next season. Without a clear-cut second option, that could be valuable.
Yet, his game also has holes, which shouldn't be surprising for a 20-year-old. First off, his defense is a major concern leading up to the draft. The Bucks already tried the score-first guard who isn't much of a defender with Damian Lillard. Also, Brown had a tendency to play erratically with the ball, leading to turnovers often. Sure, he could grow out of that, but for now, it's a bad habit worth monitoring.
Brown is far from the perfect pick, healthy or not. Yet, if he's on the board when the Milwaukee Bucks pick, there's a chance they could snag him to replenish their guard depth.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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