Forgotten Bucks prospect just offered the team a glimmer of hope

It can be easy to forget that the Milwaukee Bucks drafted Bogoljub Markovic in the 2025 NBA Draft, with the prospect spending all season with Mega Basket in Serbia.

However, Markovic has gone on to have an impressive season and has picked up a prestigious award, which should have fans excited to see him in action alongside other intriguing pieces of the team's young core.

Bogoljub Markovic's season should excite Bucks fans

On Wednesday, the Buck was named as the ABA League's Top Prospect for the second season running, taking home the award previously won by Nikola Jokic, Nikola Jovic, Nikola Topic, and many other players who went on to feature in the NBA.

Markovic finished the season averaging an impressive 18.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, with a steal and block per game on shooting splits of .512/.289/.825 in 31 minutes per game.

The big question mark around the Serbian was his physicality and lack of muscle, something he has been working on all season as he continues to build up for his opportunity to play in the NBA. It is an area that will be tested in Milwaukee, but staying in an environment he is comfortable in has clearly helped his progression, as shown by taking home the Top Prospect award.

A final note from his season is this: Markovic scored 15 or more points in his last 17 games of the season, hitting 15 points in 22 of his 27 games this season. A level of consistency that, with time, can hopefully be translated to his time with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Markovic deserves a shot on the Bucks next season

Markovic was another draft selection by Jon Horst who raised some eyebrows, with the Bucks taking another project player. A year in Serbia has allowed Markovic to develop, and he really does deserve a shot with the Bucks next season. He was always touted as a player who entered the draft with a very wide range of potential.

Adding him to a young core with Ryan Rollins, AJ Green, Pete Nance, and, hopefully, Ousmane Dieng will put the Bucks in a good spot for the present and future. Markovic can also play some small-ball five, and despite a below-par shooting season from deep, he can stretch the floor, and playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo will only generate a lot of 3-point opportunities for him.

The frontcourt is quite crowded heading into the summer, and there are decisions for the front office and players to make. Jericho Sims has a player option but may look for a bigger deal elsewhere. Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, and Myles Turner have all been loosely put into potential trades should the Milwaukee Bucks look to make a move.

When the 2026-27 season gets underway, Markovic won't be instantly thrown into the rotation and will likely have to be patient. He has shown enough this season of the Bucks having a potential hidden gem on the roster that can grow into a solid piece. The physical side of the game still needs work ahead of playing in the NBA, but the skillset is there for him to offer the Bucks something moving forward.

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