Pre-Draft Outlook
The Bucks won the NBA championship last summer and the draft became less than an afterthought — you could win bar bets asking patrons to name Milwaukee’s sole selection in the Class of 2021 (answer below). This season, the Bucks get bumped off in the conference semis by Boston and suddenly seem to have holes up and down their roster. Depth up front is a problem with Bobby Portis holding the option on his underpaid contract and Brook Lopez falling more out of fashion of today’s style of play. The quantity of guards didn’t bring enough quality, given how Grayson Allen and George Hill sputtered against the Celtics. Khris Middleton’s knee sprain highlighted a need at wing, and Jrue Holiday deserves a reliable backup. Notice we haven’t mentioned Giannis Antetokounmpo, which in no way suggests he’s taken for granted here. Hopefully the Bucks agree on that when they go seeking surrounding help.
A Stat That Matters
53 — The Bucks made 53 fewer 3-pointers than the Celtics in their seven-game, conference semifinals series. That was the biggest such differential in a playoff series in NBA history, with the Celtics’ 110 3-pointers being tied for the third most in any playoff series. In the last three regular seasons, the Bucks have allowed 14.0, 14.8 and 14.5 3-pointers per game, three of the seven highest opponent marks in the 43 years of the 3-point line.
The Way To Go
Picking 24th overall would seem to have its limitations, though it’s worth remembering that this team took Malcolm Brogdon at No. 36 six years ago and developed him into the Kia Rookie of the Year. Who’s available when the Bucks get their turn who might help? Another playmaker, some athletic ability and someone capable of providing husky, P.J. Tucker-like defense should be top priorities. Guys who might help: Ohio State’s E.J. Liddell, Kansas’ Christian Braun, Kentucky’s TyTy Washington.
Under Contract
G: Grayson Allen
G: George Hill
G: Jrue Holiday
G: Rayjon Tucker
G: Luca Vildoza
F: Khris Middleton
F: Giannis Antetokounmpo
F/C: Sandro Mamukelashvili
C: Brook Lopez
Free Agents
G: Jevon Carter (unrestricted)
G: Pat Connaughton (player option)
G: Wesley Matthews (unrestricted)
G: Lindell Wigginton (restricted)
F: Thanasis Antetokounmpo (player option)
F: Serge Ibaka (unrestricted)
F: Jordan Nwora (restricted)
F: Bobby Portis (player option)
> 2022 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2021: Todd Isaiah (31)
— Steve Aschburner