3 Bigs Milwaukee Bucks Could Target In 2024 NBA Draft

COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 17: Zach Edey #15 of the Purdue Boilermakers dunks against the Fairleigh … [+] Dickinson Knights during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 17, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

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The Milwaukee Bucks hold the 23rd and 33rd overall picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. There are numerous strategies they could employ with these selections, whether it’s keeping them or leveraging them in a trade package. Each path branches into various scenarios depending on the direction they choose this offseason.

One intriguing option for the Bucks is targeting a big man. Brook Lopez, now 36, had a commendable 2023-24 season but finally showed signs of aging. While he likely has another good year or two left, the Bucks would be prudent to start planning for his successor.

Drafting his future replacement and allowing him to learn from Lopez for at least a year is a viable strategy. If Milwaukee opts for this route, here are three players they could target with their 23rd overall pick.

DaRon Holmes II, Junior, Dayton

Holmes stands at 6-foot-9, weighing in at 221 pounds, with a 7-foot wingspan. He doesn’t have the sheer size of Brook Lopez, who towers at 7-foot-1 and 282 pounds. But let’s be real, not many humans match Lopez’s massive frame. Holmes, however, excels as a shot-blocker, utilizing his length and explosive leaping ability to disrupt shots around the rim.

Even more impressive, Holmes can defend in today’s NBA. His versatility allows him to switch onto multiple positions and hold his own on the perimeter. His relentless motor on both ends of the court injects energy and athleticism—qualities the Bucks could certainly use.

Holmes’ development at Dayton mirrors Lopez’s late-blooming trajectory. Initially a non-shooter, he transformed into a reliable perimeter threat, hitting 38.6 percent of his 2.5 three-point attempts per game last season. While he still needs to prove this newfound shooting prowess is sustainable, Holmes could be a major steal for the Bucks if it holds up.

Zach Edey, Senior, Purdue

What is a list of potential big men the Bucks could draft without the volatile Zach Edey? Edey was one of the most dominant college players ever, but hasn’t been given his flowers as an NBA prospect.

His size, which is one of his biggest strengths, is part of that reason. At 7-foot-3 and 303 pounds (with a pterodactyl-esque 7-foot-10 wingspan), he moves like he has cylinder blocks on his feet. His inability to defend the perimeter will undoubtedly be challenged at the next level as teams will target him in the pick-and-roll with lightning-quick guards.

He might be worth the roll of the dice, however, as a lottery ticket who can help the Bucks get to the next level. He would instantly become one of the biggest men in the NBA. He has tremendous skill and touch around the basket. He has a high basketball I.Q. He may have the potential to develop an outside shot based. The pros to his game begin to stack up despite his glaring weakness.

Kyle Flipowski, Sophomore, Duke

Kyle Filipowski is at the opposite end of the spectrum from Edey. He’s essentially a guard trapped in a big’s body. Filipowski can handle the ball in pick-and-roll situations, boasts impressive playmaking skills, and has the potential to become a reliable three-point shooter.

However, he’s not nearly the defender that some of the other prospects are. If the Bucks decide to draft Filipowski, it could signal their readiness to transition Giannis Antetokounmpo into more of a center role—a move they’ve been hesitant to make in the past. Yet, this shift might be exactly what the Bucks need to reignite their championship aspirations.

Source link : https://www.forbes.com/sites/briansampson/2024/05/30/3-bigs-milwaukee-bucks-could-target-in-2024-nba-draft/

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Publish date : 2024-05-30 12:15:58

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