Milwaukee Bucks Take Risks in the 2024 NBA Draft
Entering the 2024 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks needed to bolster their talent and athleticism to aim for a championship. They selected two young, raw prospects, who will require time to develop.
The draft was just one aspect of the Bucks’ offseason strategy. This piece could hint at Milwaukee’s broader future plans.
Instead of trading their 23rd overall pick for a veteran, the Bucks chose AJ Johnson from the NBL. Despite being ranked 54th by The Ringer, Johnson caught the front office’s attention during workouts. The 19-year-old has a 6’4″ frame with a 6’9″ wingspan and needs significant strength training. While he has solid ball-handling and passing skills, he must improve his team play and shooting consistency.
On Day 2, Milwaukee picked 19-year-old Tyler Smith from the G-League Ignite, ranked 33rd by The Ringer. Smith, a potential floor-spacing four, also needs to build muscle but has a more developed shooting stroke than Johnson. He might eventually replace Bobby Portis but needs time to grow into this role.
Both players have high potential but also considerable risks. These selections aim to support Giannis Antetokounmpo’s later career in Milwaukee. The success of these picks will significantly impact the future direction of the franchise and the tenure of GM Jon Horst. The development of Johnson and Smith will be critical, making this draft a crucial moment in Bucks history.
Entering the 2024 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks needed to bolster their talent and athleticism to aim for a championship. They selected two young, raw prospects, who will require time to develop.
The draft was just one aspect of the Bucks’ offseason strategy. This piece could hint at Milwaukee’s broader future plans.
Instead of trading their 23rd overall pick for a veteran, the Bucks chose AJ Johnson from the NBL. Despite being ranked 54th by The Ringer, Johnson caught the front office’s attention during workouts. The 19-year-old has a 6’4″ frame with a 6’9″ wingspan and needs significant strength training. While he has solid ball-handling and passing skills, he must improve his team play and shooting consistency.
On Day 2, Milwaukee picked 19-year-old Tyler Smith from the G-League Ignite, ranked 33rd by The Ringer. Smith, a potential floor-spacing four, also needs to build muscle but has a more developed shooting stroke than Johnson. He might eventually replace Bobby Portis but needs time to grow into this role.
Both players have high potential but also considerable risks. These selections aim to support Giannis Antetokounmpo’s later career in Milwaukee. The success of these picks will significantly impact the future direction of the franchise and the tenure of GM Jon Horst. The development of Johnson and Smith will be critical, making this draft a crucial moment in Bucks history.
### Milwaukee Bucks Take Risks in the 2024 NBA Draft
Entering the 2024 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks needed to bolster their talent and athleticism to aim for a championship. They selected two young, raw prospects, who will require time to develop.
The draft was just one aspect of the Bucks’ offseason strategy. This piece could hint at Milwaukee’s broader future plans.
Instead of trading their 23rd overall pick for a veteran, the Bucks chose AJ Johnson from the NBL. Despite being ranked 54th by The Ringer, Johnson caught the front office’s attention during workouts. The 19-year-old has a 6’4″ frame with a 6’9″ wingspan and needs significant strength training. While he has solid ball-handling and LP passing skills, he must improve his team play and shooting consistency.
On Day 2, Milwaukee picked 19-year-old Tyler Smith from the G-League Ignite, ranked 33rd by The Ringer. Smith, a potential floor-spacing four, also needs to build muscle but has a more developed shooting stroke than Johnson. He might eventually replace Bobby Portis but needs time to grow into this role.
Both players have high potential but also considerable risks. These selections aim to support Giannis Antetokounmpo’s later career in Milwaukee. The success of these picks will significantly impact the future direction of the franchise and the tenure of GM Jon Horst. The development of Johnson and Smith will be critical, making this draft a crucial moment in Bucks history.
