Milwaukee Bucks 2023 NBA Draft notebook: Takeaways
The Milwaukee Bucks entered the 2023 NBA Draft holding only the final selection at 58th overall. They left with two second-round draft picks, a two-way signing and a couple of other players headed to their Summer League squad.
Believe it or not, this will be one of the more active drafts for the Bucks over the next few years. They hold two picks in 2024 (their first and Portland’s second), but won’t have two picks in the same draft again until at least 2028.
We’ll see how these picks play out, but here are some notes and takeaways from the Bucks’ draft class.
The Milwaukee Bucks selected two players in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft and signed another to a two-way contract.
Finding a Way
Milwaukee found a way to acquire the 36th overall selection from the Orlando Magic for a 2030 second and cash considerations (the dollar amount hasn’t been made public yet). With that pick, Milwaukee grabbed Conneticut’s Andre Jackson Jr. General manager Jon Horst talked about how they liked several prospects who were projected to be available in that range. The opposite must’ve been true for Orlando, who obviously didn’t value that selection very highly.
On a side note: I’m always curious how the teams define how much money should be sent in a deal like this.
New Wing Prototype
In the past, the Bucks have targeted three-and-D wings who can space the floor for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jackson and 58th overall selection Chris Livingston do not fit that bill. Horst talked afterward about how they are targeting different types of players because Adrian Griffin runs a different type of system.
Neither Jackson nor Livingston will be confused with shooters. Jackson is a unique player who can impact the game with the rock in his hands or by cutting off the ball. His basketball I.Q. is through the roof, as he has a strong understanding of spacing. Livingston is an elite athlete who is constantly moving. He doesn’t entirely understand cutting like Jackson, but he has a non-stop motor.
Could these two players be a sign of things to come in Milwaukee?
Draft Shenanigans?
The infamous Rich Paul of Klutch Sports represents Livingston. Paul reportedly canceled seven of Livingston’s workouts with teams before the draft, signaling the freshman had a promise from a team he liked. Then, during the second round, Paul reportedly called teams and asked them not to draft Livingston.
That’s interesting since the Bucks had the very last pick in the draft. Livingston must like his chance to carve out a real role with Milwaukee down the road. The Bucks have an aging core and a bunch of wings on the wrong side of 30. Livingston is extremely raw, but could develop into a legit rotational player.
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Other additions
In addition to drafting Jackson and Livingston, the Bucks signed Omari Moore to a two-way contract. Moore is another wing with a similar athletic profile. They also signed Drew Timme to an Exhibit 10 deal, and Paris Bass and Vin Baker II to their Summer League squad.