The Milwaukee Bucks will pick 47th in the 2025 NBA Draft. They will have a chance to add a player to this roster who could potentially help next year, injecting some excitement into the event. However, there is one significant question that comes with that: If the Bucks keep that pick and add a player, will the newcomer even see any action as a rookie? It's a discouraging question that looms large.
The Bucks rookies weren't featured much under Doc Rivers last year
Last year, the Milwaukee Bucks used a first and second-round pick on a pair of potential-filled young players. Neither player - AJ Johnson nor Tyler Smith - saw sizeable minutes. In fact, they both spent a good chunk of their time in the G League, and Johnson didn't even make it through the entire year, as he was traded at the deadline.
This was a frustrating development, as it was clear that the Milwaukee Bucks would have benefited from the youth, athleticism, and energy these two possessed, but they both remained glued to the sidelines or down in the G League. Sure, they were both raw players, but playing them through their mistakes could have been a great way to get their feet wet as the Milwaukee Bucks' age showed.
No matter who the Bucks pick, will Doc Rivers trust them to earn legitimate minutes? He didn't trust a first and early-second-rounder last season, so the 47th pick could face an uphill battle. It might help if they use that selection on an experienced player over a 19-year-old, like last year, and the good news is that this class is littered with savvy names who fit the description.
Micah Peavy could come in and give the Milwaukee Bucks needed versatility on defense. John Tonje could stay in the state of Wisconsin and provide needed scoring off the bench. Sion James could be a do-it-all wing who reminds Bucks fans of Pat Connaughton's impact back in the day. This class has late-round players who can help, but they will need the opportunity to show it.
The Milwaukee Bucks using another draft pick on a player who won't crack the rotation would be a frustrating outcome for a team that so desperately needs a dash of youth. Workouts are currently underway ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, and it will be fascinating to see who, if they keep the pick, they land on. A good selection could change things mightily for Milwaukee.
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