5 Young prospects the Milwaukee Bucks should eye in the 2024 NBA Draft

The Milwaukee Bucks, despite enduring their second first-round exit in a row, are still very much a force to be reckoned with.

That’s just always going to be true for any team with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard onboard, no matter how humbling and heartbreaking the past two playoff exits have been.

That said, given how the on-court product looked for most of this past season, questions will no doubt remain about their depth, defense and overall balance. Whether due to age or circumstance, the reality is that as it currently stands, the Milwaukee Bucks have found themselves in a position where the quantity of their serviceable rotation pieces matters just as much as the quality.

Say what you want about the injury situation, but they just didn't have the firepower to get past the Indiana Pacers at the end of the day.

The Bucks have interesting choices ahead of the NBA Draft

Doubts have been raised about just how much a package of their two late picks, along with the likes of Pat Connaughton, could actually yield in return this offseason. It's unclear if moves involving Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez will be explored by the front office. One option that should still be on the table despite the team’s rather shoddy draft history as of late is using the draft picks themselves and developing the roster from within.

That's not a direction the Bucks have seen much success with in this current era of Milwaukee basketball, but the 2024 NBA Draft legitimately offers exciting possibilities to solidify their championship aspirations. This writer argues that Milwaukee’s slowly-closing championship window necessitates strategic drafting. Here are four prospects that fit the bill.

No. 1 - Devin Carter, Providence

Providence guard Devin Carter is praised for his efficiency, impacting all aspects of the game with his strength, toughness and standout defensive skills. The junior combo guard's ability as a shot-maker could add depth to the offensive arsenal of a Bucks team that has never had consistency at the shooting guard position, providing additional scoring options and versatility on the court.

In 2023–2024, Carter gave the Friars his all. He did it all for Providence when they needed him, whether by way of diving for rebounds and setting the pace, using his post skills in the half-court, or making deep threes in the dying minutes of close games.

Although he can hold his own at the point of attack, his true strength is as a help side defender. He has shown timely yet opportunistic digs to disrupt an opponent's rhythm while also being able to sky high for well-timed blocks thanks to his polished sense of when and where to be on the defensive end.

But the best part here is that as one of the more polished prospects in the draft class, Carter brings a level of maturity and readiness that could benefit the Bucks immediately, especially in a competitive environment like the NBA. If he's still available within Milwaukee's range, it won't be a surprise to see them go with a surefire contributor like Carter.

No. 2 - Oso Ighodaro, Marquette

Oso Ighodaro's unique skill set as a big man, showcasing ball-handling, passing and touch shots, could offer a different dimension to the Milwaukee Bucks' frontcourt if they choose to go with him on either of their draft picks.

Standing at 6-foot-11, the junior from Marquette can do a lot of things most other traditional big men in the NBA can't. No matter where you look, it appears most scouts are of the consensus that Ighodaro is about a NBA-ready as you can be, which could bode well for Milwaukee's needs at the moment.

On the offensive end, there's a lot to like. He can pass out of the short role and score in a litany of ways closer to the basket. His versatility and playmaking abilities can and should complement the Bucks' existing roster, providing strategic advantages and enhancing their offensive schemes.

With the potential to impact the game beyond traditional big man roles, Ighodaro presents an opportunity for the Bucks to diversify their playing style and adapt to different matchups effectively. Considering the rapid ageing of Brook Lopez, it won't be surprising to see general manager Jon Horst find another big man to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Jared McCain, Duke

Jared McCain, a standout freshman guard from Duke, could be an intriguing option for the Milwaukee Bucks, even if it's not the most obvious fit.

We’ve all seen over and over again that the Bucks, despite boasting the all-world inward gravity of Giannis Antetokounmpo, simply struggle with floor spacing. McCain is about as close to a lights-out shooter as you can get right out the draft, knocking down over 41 percent from distance in college. His ability to hit open looks off Giannis drives or Lillard’s playmaking would be a welcoming addition.

Don't let his slight frame fool you. McCain is a tenacious defender with quick hands and good instincts. He can pester opposing guards on the perimeter, a skill that complements Giannis' rim protection nicely. The Bucks' switching defense could be even more effective with McCain's hustle.

Of course, there are questions. McCain's size might be a disadvantage against bigger wings. He'll need to add strength to compete physically in the NBA. His playmaking skills are still developing, and the Bucks already have strong ball-handlers.

Overall, McCain's shooting, defensive energy, and high-character fit the mold of the Bucks. While not a perfect match, his potential as a 3-and-D contributor could make him a valuable piece for Milwaukee's continued championship chase.

No. 4 - Johnny Furphy, Kansas

Let's be blunt, the Bucks need reliable outside shooting. While guys like Khris Middleton are lights-out, adding another consistent threat from deep would do wonders for spacing the floor. Furphy's calling card is his shot.

At 6-foot-9 with a smooth release, he sunk a respectable 35.2 percent of his shots from 3-point land in his freshman year. Imagine him spotting up in the corner, creating instant offense for Giannis drives or Lillard dishes.

The Milwaukee Bucks can get bogged down offensively when defenses pack the paint against Giannis. Furphy's shooting opens things up. Defenders can't sag off him, which creates driving lanes for Giannis or kick-out opportunities for open threes. This spacing could be the difference between a good Bucks' offense and a truly elite one.

Furphy isn't just a shooter. He showed flashes of decent playmaking in college, and his size allows him to defend multiple positions. The Bucks have a team that's been in need of development the past few years, and Furphy has the physical tools to become a well-rounded contributor, not just a one-trick pony.

There are a few cons to take into consideration here, though. Furphy's athleticism just isn't elite at all (even if he has demonstrated some bounce at times), and his defensive discipline and understanding of schemes still needs work despite his physical tools. The Bucks already have some defensive liabilities and likely can't afford to take on another one, so that'll be an area to focus on as he develops in practice. But his shooting and potential upside make him a gamble worth taking, especially in the mid-to-late first round.

Johnny Furphy isn't a finished product, but the fit with the Bucks is undeniable. His shooting fills a glaring need, and his development potential is exciting. If the Bucks are looking to add another offensive weapon and a player who can grow alongside Giannis, Furphy could be their guy.

No. 5 - Bub Carrington, Pittsburgh

Carrington's biggest selling point is his versatility. At 6-foot-4, he can play both on-ball and off-ball, a valuable trait alongside Giannis, who thrives with spacing. He's a crafty scorer with a bag of tricks to get to the basket, utilizing hesitations and stop-start dribble moves to keep defenders off-balance. This could alleviate some pressure on Giannis Antetokounmpo as the primary offensive weapon.

First, his shot creation. Again, the Bucks' offense can get stagnant at times, especially when Giannis is faced with double and triple teams. Carrington's ability to create his own shot would provide much-needed offensive firepower off the bench.

Naturally, that also leads into his floor-spacing ability. While not a lights-out shooter yet, Carrington has shown flashes of a developing outside shot. If he can refine his perimeter game, he'd become a dangerous threat alongside Giannis' driving ability, forcing defenses to respect him on the arc.

Defense remains a question mark for Carrington, but his size and athleticism offer intriguing possibilities. The Bucks are looking to continue building on their identity as a strong defensive team, and their system could help him develop into a capable defender.

Projecting rookies is always a gamble, but in the right situation, Carrington has the potential to be a solid contributor for the Bucks. He wouldn't be expected to be a star right away, but his ability to create offense off the dribble and his improving outside shot could make him a valuable piece in the Milwaukee Bucks' second unit.

Carrington's biggest concern is his lack of experience. He's a freshman out of Pittsburgh, and his recent slump raises questions about his consistency. The Bucks might need to be patient with him as he adjusts to the NBA game.

Overall, Bub Carrington would be a gamble, but a potentially rewarding one for the Milwaukee Bucks. His offensive skillset and versatility could be a perfect complement to Giannis Antetokounmpo. If he develops his outside shot and improves defensively, he could become a key contributor for a championship contender.

Look, there are no easy answers to this ostensibly weaker draft. For the contending Bucks, their needs are many. Giannis' dominance necessitates a strong supporting cast, not another superstar ball-dominant guard.

Defense remains a priority as usual, and they'll definitely look for players who fit the Bucks' defensive identity. After this year's inconsistent offensive display, though, shooting is going to be more crucial than ever, and they could also be looking to stock up on more guys to space the floor for Giannis' drives and maximize offensive efficiency.

The good news is the Bucks have two chances to hit on a pick. By focusing on these areas, the Bucks can find players who complement Giannis Antetokounmpo and keep them in championship contention for years to come.