With all three star players injured in the NBA playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks are in a unique position going forward.
Father time is catching up to their veteran core, and their youth movement to build for the future hasn't exactly panned out. Even then, they still boast a fearsome duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, which only means they're still in win-now mode for years to come. However, questions remain, such as who can they add via the 2024 NBA Draft to elevate this team to the next level.
The Milwaukee Bucks head into an intriguing off-season
While the Lillard acquisition significantly bolstered the Bucks' offense, some key areas still need improvement, as exposed in the team's series versus the Indiana Pacers. Whether through the draft or via the trade market, the Bucks will certainly be looking for three-point shooting, defensive versatility, and high-energy role players who are ready to play.
It’s unclear if the Milwaukee Bucks are going to use their picks, to begin with, but should they opt to go the developmental route. There’s a wealth of young talent, even in this ostensibly shallow draft, just waiting to be unearthed and ready to help out any contending roster.
Here, we'll explore some potential first-round picks who could seamlessly fit alongside Giannis' dominance and Lillard's scoring prowess, addressing the Bucks' remaining needs and creating a truly formidable championship contender.
No. 1 - Ulrich Chomche (PF, APR)
Chomche is a stout, 6-foot-10 big man from Cameroon who currently plays for APR of the Basketball Africa League. He has shown impressive shot-blocking and growing offensive tools. Chomche could provide valuable depth and complementary skills to the Bucks' roster.
Given the regression of Brook Lopez being put on full display against Indiana, Ulrich's strengths are very much within this team’s area of need. Unlike the Bucks' current center rotation of Lopez and Bobby Portis, Chomche is an athletic powerhouse who excels in transition while still demonstrating a clear knack for creating his own shot. On top of that, he's also a solid rebounder and defender with good instincts and strong anticipation.
In a nutshell, he's everything the Bucks would have needed to get past the first round in these playoffs.
Chomche could be a steal if he falls to the late first round. He provides valuable 3-point shooting and defensive versatility, fitting seamlessly alongside Giannis and Lillard. His ability to rebound and run the floor complements the Bucks' offensive style. While his pick range might be a bit high for the Bucks, if they manage to trade up into the mid-teens, Chomche could be a great option.
No. 2 - Harrison Ingram (SF, North Carolina)
Considering the Milwaukee Bucks need playmaking and point-of-attack defense, their best bet is to go for a big playmaking wing who can defend and hit big shots, ala Joe Ingles. Fortunately for them, Harrison Ingram does all of these things and more.
Ingram boasts a quick release and deep range. He can consistently knock down threes off the dribble or catch-and-shoot situations. This is crucial because Antetokounmpo and Lillard will naturally attract a lot of defensive attention, and Ingram's shooting creates open looks for everyone.
He's also a good defender with good size, length and instincts. He can stay in front of his man and contest shots on the perimeter. This adds much-needed defensive versatility alongside Giannis, who dominates the paint but might struggle against quick guards on the switch.
Ingram could provide valuable depth and complementary skills to the Bucks roster if given the opportunity — his physical tools and defensive versatility could (and quite frankly, should) earn him early minutes with any team he lands on. On top of that, he’s slowly morphing into a reliable spot-up shooter while also demonstrating surprisingly polished playmaking out of the post.
The good news here is that his projected pick range, which most boards project to be around the 20-30 mark, aligns perfectly with the Bucks' projected first-round pick. This makes him not only a desirable option but a realistic one.
No. 3 - DaRon Holmes II (C-PF, Dayton)
Though he also plays in the frontcourt, there are very real possibilities for DaRon Holmes II to fit next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard if the Milwaukee Bucks choose to draft him in the 2024 NBA Draft due to his versatile skill set.
Holmes, a 6-foot-10 big man from Dayton, has shown significant improvement in his shooting range, passing ability and defensive skills. His ability to shoot from behind the arc, coupled with his dominance in the paint, makes him a valuable offensive weapon.
Holmes is more than capable of hitting his man in stride from the elbow, making him a good high-post playmaking option for a team in desperate need of more offensive wrinkles.
Defensively, he excels as a shot blocker and interior defender, which would complement Giannis Antetokounmpo's defensive prowess and be a bit of a replacement for Brook Lopez should the Bucks choose to move on from him.
That's not to say there aren't possible cons here. While Holmes has some offensive skills, he's not a primary scorer or playmaker. The Bucks already have Giannis and Lillard for offense, and they might need someone who can consistently create their own shot or space the floor more effectively.
His turnovers might be a concern as well. The Bucks might be looking for a player who complements their fast-paced, transition-heavy offense, and while Holmes is athletic, he's not necessarily known for his speed on the court.
Overall, Holmes' evolving skill set, particularly his shooting, passing and defensive abilities, would make him a strong asset alongside Giannis and Lillard, enhancing the Bucks' roster with his two-way presence.
No. 4 - Kyle Filipowski (C, Duke)
Kyle Filipowski has intriguing tools that could make him a solid contributor alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard on the Milwaukee Bucks, but there might be a steeper learning curve compared to some other prospects.
Filipowski is a skilled shooter with a smooth stroke and range extending well beyond the 3-point line. Offensively, he's just a smart player with a good understanding of the game. He can make quick decisions, find open teammates, and operate effectively within a system. This ability to play within the Bucks' offensive structure is important for a young player coming into a championship-caliber team.
While not a pure point guard by any means, Filipowski has good passing instincts and can leverage his size to create scoring opportunities for himself and others. This ability could be valuable in situations where Giannis or Lillard need a breather or when the defense collapses on them, creating open looks for Filipowski or teammates.
Considering his size, Filipowski's defensive capabilities are still developing, and he definitely fits in the mold of a lumbering big man at the moment even if he is more agile than many players his size. He might struggle initially guarding a variety of positions on the perimeter, especially against quicker, more athletic wings. The Bucks need defenders who can switch assignments and hold their own defensively.
Kyle Filipowski's shooting ability and basketball IQ are valuable assets that could complement Giannis and Lillard. However, his athleticism and defensive limitations might require more development before he seamlessly fits into the Bucks' rotation.
While Filipowski can contribute offensively, the Bucks might need to address his defensive limitations by surrounding him with strong perimeter defenders. He might be a better fit as a complementary role player coming off the bench rather than a starter alongside Giannis and Lillard.
No. 5 - Kyshawn George (PG-SF, Miami)
First and foremost, Kyshawn George's most desirable trait is that he is an elite perimeter defender, which the Bucks have not had for what has felt like years now.
Standing at 6-foot-8, George is known for being a tenacious on-ball defender with good size, length and instincts. He's also capable of producing for his team across the board. In 2023-24, George averaged 7.6 points, three rebounds and 2.2 assists. He shot 42.6 percent from the field, 40.8 percent from distance and 77.8 percent from the free throw line.
This is exactly what the Bucks need to complement Giannis' interior presence and solidify their perimeter defense.
The best part is that George brings this elite perimeter defense while not being someone who bogs down an offense, considering he's the type of player who thrives in transition. He's a fast, explosive athlete who can run the floor alongside Giannis.
Imagine Giannis grabbing a rebound and finding George streaking down the court for an easy alley-oop or open layup. This would add another dimension to the Bucks' fast break and make them even more dangerous in open court.
While not a lights-out shooter by any means, George has shown flashes of good shooting form that a competent shooting coach should easily build on wherever he ends up in the NBA. The Bucks need reliable shooters to surround Giannis and Lillard, and George's potential in this area is encouraging.
With proper development within the Bucks system, he could become a consistent 3-point threat, further opening driving lanes and creating space for the stars.
Despite his offensive limitations, George is a smart player who understands the game and can make winning plays. He's a solid enough passer who can fit seamlessly into the Bucks' offensive system while knocking down enough open looks to stay on the floor and command enough defensive attention to not damage the spacing for Lillard and Antetokounmpo.
The magic of the fit here should come in that Kyshawn George won't necessarily be expected to be a high-volume scorer to be a valuable asset for the Bucks. His primary contributions would most likely come on the defensive end and in transition should he be chosen as the latest addition to the Bucks.
Ultimately, he'll provide the defensive versatility and athleticism the Bucks need alongside their star duo. He's also coachable and has the potential to develop his offensive skillset within the system.
There's also the concern of his draft positioning to worry about in this scenario. The Milwaukee Bucks' pick (projected to pick in the mid-20s) might be a bit of a stretch for George, who could go higher depending on how the draft unfolds.
Surrounding Giannis and Lillard with reliable shooters will open driving lanes and maximize their offensive potential. On the other hand, finding players who can guard multiple positions is crucial in today's NBA.
The Bucks need defenders who can switch assignments and handle the league's athletic wings. But given the team’s lack of consistent depth, plug-and-play contributors who can hustle, rebound, and fill specific roles within the Milwaukee Bucks' system are valuable assets who are very much needed for a contending team.
These prospects could provide valuable depth and complementary skills to the Bucks' roster, but ultimately, the team's draft decisions will depend on their specific needs and the availability of these players. It's also important to remember that these prospects are just that - prospects.
They'll need time to adjust to the NBA game and develop under the tutelage of Doc Rivers. The Bucks' championship window might not open in 2025, but by drafting with an eye toward the future and surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard with the right talent, they can ensure they remain contenders for years to come.
Ultimately, the best pick for the Milwaukee Bucks will depend on the players available and their specific needs on draft night. But by focusing on players who complement their core stars and address their remaining weaknesses, the Bucks can take a significant step towards building a true dynasty in Milwaukee.