In the 2024 NBA Draft, the seemingly obvious strategy for the Milwaukee Bucks felt like using their rare first-round pick on a proven prospect ready to contribute. When the Bucks were on the clock, both Ryan Dunn and Terrence Shannon Jr. were available, and it felt like one of them would earn the nod. However, the Bucks pulled a stunner by drafting a raw prospect in AJ Johnson.
Milwaukee's justification behind the move was adding a 19-year-old building block who certainly had plenty of potential. However, the big question was how long it would take to unearth it. Well, that draft strategy has backfired not even a year later, with Johnson being traded away and Shannon delivering a fantastic performance on the big stage for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Timberwolves rookie has Bucks fans shaking their head
After scarcely playing in the postseason, Shannon heard his name called early in Minnesota's Game 3 against the OKC Thunder. The rookie didn't let his coach down, pouring in 15 points, two rebounds, an assist, and a steal while shooting 5-of-8 from the floor and 4-of-4 from the foul line. He was a needed shot in the arm in his 13 minutes, giving his team a spark in the Timberwolves' 143-101 victory.
With five years of college experience under his belt, Shannon came to the NBA more polished than some of his other raw draft counterparts. Perhaps it was that experience that helped him be poised when he checked into this game and turned the tide for Minnesota. As many said at the time, some of that could have gone a long way for Milwaukee.
Dwelling on the past often does no good, but it's important in this situation because it only hammers home the point that the Bucks must draft a ready-now prospect this year. Although they won't have a first-round pick like they did last offseason, Milwaukee can still add an immediate contributor with the upcoming 47th pick. Drafting another raw prospect would certainly be a head-scratcher.
Had the Milwaukee Bucks kept AJ Johnson and attempted to develop him, perhaps things might be looked at a bit differently, as he could have at least grown into a strong contributor, but he didn't even make it all the way through the season.
Between Terrence Shannon Jr. and Andrew Nembhard, the Milwaukee Bucks are getting a good look at some draft blunders in the NBA's Conference Finals.
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