5 home run prospects for Milwaukee Bucks in 2022 NBA Draft
With the 2022 NBA Draft quickly approaching, all eyes are on the Milwaukee Bucks to see if they do something they haven’t done since 2018: Make an actual selection in the first round.
The first round has been bare during general manager Jon Horst’s tenure, but such is the life of a championship contender trying to maximize their championship window. Instead of taking a risk on an unproven prospect through the draft, Milwaukee has used its assets to acquire veterans whom they know can make an impact.
As of now, at least, Milwaukee holds the 24th selection in the draft and could decide to use it on a prospect if the right player falls to them. Although the scale is probably tilted toward another trade, here are five prospects that might entice Horst and company to keep the pick by having home run potential.
If the Milwaukee Bucks want to swing for the fences in the 2022 NBA Draft, here are five prospects who would be home-run candidates.
Homerun prospects for Bucks in 2022 NBA Draft: E.J. Liddell
It’s safe to say E.J. Liddell captured the heart of Bucks’ fans early in the draft prospect and likely remains one of the fan favorites to be drafted by Milwaukee. That’s certainly a possibility as his range appears to be anywhere from high teens to mid-30s.
Liddell should be a prospect who can contribute for Milwaukee in Year 1, as he’s one of the more mature players in this class and will turn 22 years old during his rookie campaign. He can do a little bit of everything including knock down spot-up threes, defend a couple of positions, and make the right reads on offense. He won’t excel or become a star, but the Bucks just need a guy who knows his role.
Homerun prospects for Bucks in 2022 NBA Draft: TyTy Washington
If the Bucks are looking for more of a high-risk, high-reward prospect, TyTy Washington might be the guy they turn to. He could follow in a growing line of Kentucky point guards who take the next step once they reach the NBA. Washington could help run the Bucks’ second-unit and give them a pick-and-roll dimension that they’ve lacked outside of their top guys. If he can develop chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the two-man game, it could go a long ways toward playoff success when offenses get bogged down in the half court.
Homerun prospects for Bucks in 2022 NBA Draft: Blake Wesley
Blake Wesley is a smaller wing and that alone may deter Milwaukee from looking his way considering they have that market cornered. However, if they’re able to look past that flaw they’ll see a player with near-unlimited upside.
Wesley hasn’t come that close to putting it all together, but has shown flashes of each of his skills throughout his collegiate career. He can score from all three levels–or at least as the potential to do so–and is just figuring out how to use his athleticism to maximize his advantage. If everything goes right, he can turn into a tertiary playmaker and scorer for the Bucks who can also provide outside shooting.
Homerun prospects for Bucks in 2022 NBA Draft: Jalen Williams
Jalen Williams is another fan favorite that a lot of people would love to see in a Milwaukee uniform next season. Despite being already 21 years old, he’s still finding his own and his blossoming as a result. He has good size on the wing and is someone who is solid in all facets of offense. He’s proven to be a capable spot-up three-point shooter and someone who can attack a closeout. He also works hard on defense even if he doesn’t have all the physical tools to succeed there.
Homerun prospects for Bucks in 2022 NBA Draft: Jonathan Davis
A Wisconsin fan can dream, can’t he? There’s almost no chance Jonathan Davis falls to No. 24, but it would be a grand slam if he did. Although he’d be another smaller wing, the Bucks would deal with that considering all of the upside Davis brings to the basketball court.
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He took a huge leap from his Freshman to Sophomore year and probably has a couple of more leaps in him. He’s good in just about every facet of the game from defending to ball-handling to creating shots. He does have a bunch of work to do on his jumper, but that could come along with time. He’d be a great addition to the second unit and someone who can hold his own on both ends of the court.