Last offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks drafted 19-year-old AJ Johnson out of Australia in what was a bold decision for the franchise. This year, they just added 19-year-old Izan Almansa to their prospect workout list ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, and he last played in, you guessed it, Australia. The Bucks could be looking to repeat history in June.
Different players, similar predicament for the Bucks
Drafting AJ Johnson was a bold move at the time, given that the Milwaukee Bucks needed players to help them in the present. The baby-faced Johnson was far too raw at the time, though he could grow into a solid contributor in time - it won't be in Milwaukee, as they traded him already. A lot of the same goes for Izan Almansa as well.
The big man has shown flashes throughout his young career between the G League and overseas. During his G League stint in 2023, he averaged 11.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. His role diminished overseas with the Perth Wildcats this past season, where he put up 6.9 points and 3.9 boards. He made his money as an energizer, attacking the hoop and the glass.
The concern with Almansa is his age and ability to help right now. He's young. Too young for a role on a championship contender. Can the Milwaukee Bucks afford to use an asset on a player who won't be ready to help? Just like last season, it would be an incredibly bold gamble that might not pay off like they are hoping.
On top of that, Almansa doesn't check off one of the biggest boxes the Milwaukee Bucks need right now, which is athleticism. He does have some mobility and is not a total liability when he gets pulled out to the perimeter defensively, but it's certainly not one of his strengths. After what went down in the NBA Playoffs, athleticism should factor into every move the Milwaukee Bucks make this summer.
With that said, it makes sense that the Milwaukee Bucks are at least looking at Almansa. The team has so many questions in the frontcourt at the moment, and they may need bodies. They must leave no stone unturned, and the draft is a great avenue to explore. It's debatable whether or not Izan Almansa is the player who fits what they should be looking for, though.
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