In ESPN's latest mock for the 2026 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks select Arizona's Brayden Burries, a 6-foot-4 shooting guard. While another guard would make some sense, especially if the team loses Kevin Porter Jr. in free agency, it's not a hot take to say small forward is more of a pressing need for this team. Yet, if they take Burries, it only cements the idea that they need Ousmane Dieng long-term.
Ousmane Dieng has been a beacon of hope at small forward
Milwaukee's small forward spot has been a revolving door. Khris Middleton manned the position so well until the injuries started piling up. Kyle Kuzma tried his best, but he's best suited to be a power forward. Taurean Prince was solid, but a neck injury has sidelined him for most of the season. Amir Coffey? Didn't even last a full season. The list goes on and on.
How did the Milwaukee Bucks address this glaring roster hole? By acquiring Ousmane Dieng, a player teams didn't even want at the deadline, via trade. Since coming aboard, Dieng has won over the Bucks faithful through his strong play, and with Doc Rivers buying into him as a starter, the 22-year-old's rise is seemingly just getting started.
If the Milwaukee Bucks don't plan on tackling their small forward concerns in the NBA Draft, they must be prepared to retain Dieng this summer. Taking a guard and then letting Dieng walk would reopen the team's glaring need for more depth at a crucial position.
Keeping Ousmane Dieng should be a priority for Bucks
Dieng is set to become a restricted free agent this summer, giving the Milwaukee Bucks a major leg up to re-sign him. Whether he is part of Milwaukee's continued title-contending dreams or a retool in the aftermath of a Giannis Antetokounmpo deal, Ousmane Dieng makes sense in both timelines for the Bucks as their small forward of the future.
The small forward, despite his ongoing rise, won't command a significant payday on the open market. His qualifying offer will be worth just a tick over $9 million. If the Milwaukee Bucks could get him near that price for a few years, it could quickly become a bargain signing, similar to how they somehow got Ryan Rollins on the books for three years and $12 million.
It would be baffling if the forward wasn't back in green next season, especially if this mock draft pick comes to fruition.
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