The Milwaukee Bucks are gearing up for the 2024 NBA draft with the No. 23 pick in the first round, set to take place this Wednesday night. This pick comes courtesy of a swap with New Orleans, as part of the 2020 Jrue Holiday trade. Originally, the Bucks held the No. 21 selection, but the Pelicans exercised their right to swap places. Now, Milwaukee has a decision to make. They could trade the pick, but if they hold on to it, there are several intriguing prospects they could consider. Let's take a closer look at some potential draftees who might be available around this spot.
Prospects to Watch at No. 23
Here’s a snapshot of seven players who could be on the board when the Bucks make their pick, according to various mock drafts:
1. Pacôme Dadiet
- Previous Team/University: Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
- Age on Opening Day: 19
- Height: 6-8
- Need to Know: This French talent has been a professional since 2021. He's a high-upside pick, having averaged 6.9 points in about 15 minutes per game for Ulm, with a solid 38% from three-point range.
2. Zach Edey
- Previous Team/University: Purdue University
- Age on Opening Day: 22
- Height: 7-3 (without shoes)
- Need to Know: Edey is a towering presence and a two-time Naismith men’s college player of the year. He led the NBA draft combine in height, standing reach, and wingspan. Over the past two seasons, he averaged 23.8 points on 61.6% shooting, with 12.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.
3. Kyshawn George
- Previous Team/University: University of Miami
- Age on Opening Day: 20
- Height: 6-7 (without shoes)
- Need to Know: George hails from Sweden and initially played in France before moving to the U.S. He spent one season with the Hurricanes, averaging 7.6 points and 3.0 rebounds in 30 games. His three-point shooting at 40.8% and defensive potential make him an attractive three-and-D prospect.
4. Bobi Klintman
- Previous Team/University: Cairns (Australia)
- Age on Opening Day: 21
- Height: 6-8 (without shoes)
- Need to Know: Another Swede, Klintman spent a year at Wake Forest before playing professionally in Australia. Last season, he averaged 9.7 points on 44% shooting, with a 35% success rate from beyond the arc.
5. Yves Missi
- Previous Team/University: Baylor University
- Age on Opening Day: 20
- Height: 6-10 (without shoes)
- Need to Know: Known for his defensive prowess, Missi posted a 31-inch standing vertical and a 38.5-inch max vertical at the combine. In his lone college season, he averaged 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks, shooting 61% from the field.
6. Tyler Smith
- Previous Team/University: G League Ignite
- Age on Opening Day: 19
- Height: 6-9 (without shoes)
- Need to Know: Smith turned pro early, initially signing with Overtime Elite before joining Ignite. Last season, he averaged 13.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and shot 36% from three, boasting a 7-1 wingspan.
7. Kel’el Ware
- Previous Team/University: Indiana University
- Age on Opening Day: 20
- Height: 6-11 (without shoes)
- Need to Know: Ware showcased impressive athleticism at the combine with a 32-inch standing vertical and one of the fastest shuttle runs among centers. After starting his college career at Oregon, he moved to Indiana, where he averaged 15.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks last season.
Tyler Kolek: A Local Prospect
There's also speculation about Marquette University's Tyler Kolek. He had a workout with the Bucks and might be available at No. 23. However, there’s a buzz that Phoenix is eyeing him at No. 22. Kolek's local roots and skills make him a player worth watching for Milwaukee.
Bucks' Draft History at No. 23
The Bucks have picked at No. 23 twice before. In 1976, they selected Alex English out of South Carolina. Though he had an unremarkable stint with Milwaukee, English blossomed into an eight-time All-Star with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 25.9 points per game over 11 seasons.
In 1992, the Bucks chose Lee Mayberry from Arkansas. He played 328 games over four seasons with Milwaukee, shooting 38.8% from three-point range.
Best No. 23 Picks in NBA History
Alex English stands out as one of the best No. 23 picks ever, thanks to his Hall of Fame career and scoring prowess. But he’s not the only notable name. Wayne Embry, drafted in 1958, made five All-Star teams and won a championship with the Celtics in 1968. He was also a pioneering executive, becoming the first Black general manager in the NBA in 1972.
Other significant No. 23 picks include:
- World B. Free (Philadelphia)
- Bobby Jackson (Sacramento)
- Tayshaun Prince (Detroit)
- OG Anunoby (Toronto)
The Decision Ahead
As the Bucks prepare for draft night, they have several options. They could trade their pick, a strategy that might net them a more seasoned player to help with their championship aspirations. If they keep the pick, the prospects available offer a mix of immediate impact and long-term potential. Whether it's the towering presence of Zach Edey, the versatile Tyler Smith, or the defensive prowess of Yves Missi, Milwaukee has the chance to add a valuable piece to their roster.
Draft night always brings excitement, speculation, and surprises. For the Bucks, the No. 23 pick could be a stepping stone to future success, whether through a trade or by adding a young talent to their team. Let’s see how it all unfolds!
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