5 Rookies the Bucks will regret not drafting after summer league

1. Kyle Filipowski

The seven-footer out of Duke was projected to be taken in the lottery by some but slipped to 32nd overall before the Jazz selected him. Filipowski got some run in the Salt Lake City summer league behind Walker Kessler before taking over as Utah’s starter in Vegas. He struggled when coming off the bench but popped in a larger opportunity.

Filipowski averaged 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals in 25.3 minutes per game over his five contests in Las Vegas. He nailed eight 3-pointers and was impressive spacing the floor.

The Bucks have thrived with Brook Lopez next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lopez entered the NBA as a subpar rebounder who didn’t take 3-point attempts. He transformed into an All-Star known for his offense in Brooklyn before becoming an elite defender in Milwaukee.

There were questions about Filipowski’s defense. He is not an elite rim protector and will struggle to defend on the perimeter. Projecting a 20-year-old big man is not an exact science, and the Bucks have Giannis and Lopez to help him improve. It could have been a fantastic fit and one Milwaukee likely regrets not making a reality.

The Milwaukee Bucks gambled on upside in the 2024 NBA Draft. General manager Jon Horst may be proven right five years from now, but there is likely immediate regret after summer league.