PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 9: Kelel Ware #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers in action against the … [+]
The Milwaukee Bucks are approaching the frantic stretch of the NBA offseason. The new league year doesn’t officially begin until July 1, but the 2024 NBA Draft is just days away, set for June 26-27.
Milwaukee has a pair of picks in this year’s draft, sitting at numbers 23 and 33. They can trade their 33rd pick at any time, but they can’t move their 23rd overall selection until draft night, along with their 2031 first-rounder.
Milwaukee has several needs they must address this offseason. That list includes, but isn’t limited to another ball-handler, a point of attack defender, more athleticism, and, of course, shooting.
If they decide to hold onto their top pick, let’s break down and rank 10 players likely to be available for them in the first round.
1. Kel’el Ware, Indiana, Big
Ware is a prime candidate to be off the board before the Bucks pick, but if he falls to them, he should be at the top of their list.
He checks all the boxes Milwaukee looks for in a big: long, athletic, a strong finisher, and a reliable shooter from the outside. So why might he still be available at 23? His effort has been maddeningly inconsistent, and he has virtually no ball-handling or passing skills. But Ware’s high ceiling makes him a tantalizing prospect, one the Bucks could be willing to invest in for the long haul.
2. DaRon Holmes, Dayton, Big
At 6-foot-9, Holmes is a bit undersized for a big, but he compensates with a 7-foot wingspan and impressive athleticism. On the Bucks, he’d thrive as a screener, roller, and shot-blocker—three areas where he excels.
Holmes made strides as a shooter last season, though skepticism remains about whether it was a fluke. Additionally, he struggles to put the ball on the floor and his passing leaves much to be desired. This makes him a somewhat one-dimensional offensive player at this stage of his career.
3. Kyle Filipowski, Duke, Big
Filipowski is the opposite of the first two bigs on the Bucks’ Big Board. At 6-foot-11, he boasts exceptional ball-handling skills for his size and is silky smooth at creating his own shot. This ability makes him a viable tertiary playmaker for the Bucks, even capable of running some pick-and-rolls.
On the defensive end, Filipowski plays with intensity and should be a capable team defender. However, he lacks the explosiveness and athleticism that Ware and Holmes possess, which could raise concerns depending on the defensive style Milwaukee aims to implement moving forward.
4. Zach Edey, Purdue, Center
For better or worse, Edey might draw comparisons to Brook Lopez and the type of drop coverage the Bucks would have to play with him. Edey certainly has his limitations, but he also boasts immense strengths. If he can leverage his strengths to mitigate his weaknesses, he could end up being a steal wherever he lands.
5. Tristan Da Silva, Colorado, Wing/Forward
6. Terrance Shannon Jr., Illinois, Wing
This would be a controversial selection given Shannon’s complicated off-the-court history. However, Shannon could also be precisely the type of wing the Bucks need alongside Damian Lillard.
At his best, Shannon is a solid all-around defender. With his size (6-foot-6 and 220 pounds) and athleticism, he has the potential to be a significant contributor on defense. Offensively, he can score just enough to pose a threat, making him a balanced player who could fit well into Milwaukee’s system.
7. Tyler Kolek, Marquette, Point Guard
Kolek already holds a special place in the hearts of Bucks fans who also cheer for Marquette. His intelligence and craftiness are evident in his ability to use ball-handling skills and savvy to create open looks for his teammates. He also scores just enough to keep defenses honest.
However, Kolek lacks many of the athletic traits typically seen in successful NBA players. He’s undersized, lacks quickness, and isn’t particularly athletic. The pressing question remains: Can he be a playoff contributor for the Bucks?
8. Johnny Furphy, Kansas, Forward
9. Baylor Scheierman, Creighton, Wing
10. Ryan Dunn, Virginia, Wing/Forward
Dunn is the lockdown defender the Bucks desperately need. Standing at 6-foot-6 with a nearly 7-foot-2 wingspan, he excels in on-ball defense, team defense, and even rim protection. What more could you ask for?
Unfortunately, Dunn offers little on the offensive end. He could easily be overlooked by opposing defenses, potentially hindering Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard’s effectiveness. Given these limitations, Dunn might be a better fit for the Bucks’ 33rd selection rather than their 23rd.