The Milwaukee Bucks snuck into the second round of the NBA Draft by trading for the 60th pick of the night. With it, they selected NBL forward Malique Lewis, who is a potential-filled 21-year-old. The Bucks don't have a great track record with the final pick of the draft, but with the team eyeing a brand new direction after Giannis Antetokounmpo's departure, perhaps Lewis can break the trend.
Other final picks haven't worked
Since 2020, the Milwaukee Bucks have had the final pick of the draft three times, picking up Sam Merrill in 2020, Georgios Kalaitzakis in 2021, and Chris Livingston in 2023. Though the final pick of the draft will always be a low-risk move no matter who the team takes, it felt like the Bucks left some talent on the back burner as Merrill, Kalaitzakis, and Livingston never saw legitimate time.
After winning a championship with the Bucks in his rookie season, Merrill was traded and has since developed into a strong rotational player elsewhere. He just started in 38 games for the Cavaliers in 2025-26. Kalaitzakis played just nine games. Livingston never got an opportunity after being cut by the Bucks, who never offered him any meaningful time despite hanging onto him for so long.
While Merrill, Kalaitzakis, and Livingston did not spread their wings in Milwaukee, Lewis may get an opportunity after the team recently changed gears entirely.
Lewis could have a role in Milwaukee
Milwaukee's new-look backcourt suddenly looks like a tremendous strength, but there are questions about the frontcourt, particularly at the forward spots. Outside of Nate Ament, who will enter the new season incredibly raw, the Bucks don't have many bodies. Even if they re-sign Ousmane Dieng, which they should, it wouldn't hurt to have another body in Lewis in town.
While still far from a finished product himself, Lewis has the tools to help this team. Above all else, he is an energetic, high-flying athlete who can make plays with his rebounds, dunks, or blocked shots. A piece like that could be a great energizer off the bench. Again, he is just 21 years old, so he would fit in with a Milwaukee Bucks squad that is all-in on youth right now.
The biggest uncertainty with Lewis is his perimeter shot. Playing for S.E. Melbourne this past season, he sank 38.7 percent of his triple tires. Prior to that, the highest 3-point percentage Lewis had in his overseas professional career was 29.4 percent, so some are wondering whether last year was just an outlier. If he can get a grip on that shot, Lewis would become all the more desirable.
Lewis will get an opportunity to suit up for the Milwaukee Bucks in Summer League, and if he shows glimpses of promise, perhaps he could see legitimate playing time. Perhaps Milwaukee's change in direction could open a door that Merrill and Livingston never walked through.
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