Over the last several weeks, the Milwaukee Bucks have been working out and getting a close look at many prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft.
HoopsHype has established a workout tracker to help fans see who exactly teams have on their radar leading up to the big event. New names are being added daily, and one of the newest for the Bucks is Marquette's Oso Ighodaro.
How would Oso Ighodaro fit with the Milwaukee Bucks?
Ighodaro is interesting for several reasons. First, he attended Marquette in college, so he's already quite familiar with what Wisconsin has to offer. Yet, his desirability goes far beyond that, as he also could give the Milwaukee Bucks more depth in the frontcourt, something this roster needs more of this off-season, among many other things.
At 6-foot-9, Ighodaro might be a bit undersized to play the center position full time at the next level. Yet, due to his size, he possesses athletic ability and can switch defensively onto players of all sizes, something this Milwaukee team needs more of. He's also a quality passer for a player of his stature, which would always help.
The big downside is that he's not an outside shooter, having attempted just two triples total during his four-year stay at Marquette. One of the reasons Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis have thrived with the Bucks is due to their ability to stretch the floor and make room for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Not being able to hit those immediately might not be the end all be all, as the staff could have him work on it.
At 21, he's got room to grow, so he could improve with time.
In HoopsHype's tracker, Ighodaro is ranked 47th overall among prospects. Given that the Bucks hold the 23rd and 33rd overall picks, taking him might be a bit of a reach. However, if they are interested in him to such a high degree, they could trade back or find a way to get another pick later in the second round, similar to what they did with Andre Jackson Jr. last year.
With the Bucks needing frontcourt depth behind Lopez and Portis, picking up a big man in the draft isn't too far-fetched. Ighodaro could be a nice addition, though he should not be atop their wish list. If taken, he could spend time learning behind those two - if they are still with the team on opening night.
Ironically, Ighodaro is not the only Wisconsin-based forward the Milwaukee Bucks have checked out ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft, as they also got a closer look at Tyler Wahl of the Wisconsin Badgers.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.