Milwaukee Bucks entered the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23, selecting Arizona guard Brayden Burries at No. 10 and Tennessee forward Nate Ament at No. 13, a move tied to the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade with Miami. Last result: Philadelphia 76ers 126‑106 Milwaukee Bucks (2026‑04‑12). The team’s recent form (last 5: 2W‑0D‑3L, lost the last 2) adds pressure to evaluate these picks.
Who did the Bucks select?
Burries, a 6‑5 guard from the Arizona Wildcats, impressed scouts with a versatile perimeter game, averaging 14.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in his senior season. His three‑point shooting hovered around 38 % and he showed defensive agility against elite Pac‑12 competition. Ament, a 6‑9 forward from the Tennessee Volunteers, posted 12.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, demonstrating a solid post presence and the ability to stretch the floor with a 35 % three‑point clip. Both players fit the Bucks’ need for younger talent to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance in the paint.
How do the picks fit Milwaukee Bucks' strategy?
The Bucks have been building around a core of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday, while seeking youthful pieces that can develop under Coach Mike Budenholzer. Burries offers a backcourt option that can handle the ball, create off the dribble, and knock down threes, giving Milwaukee a safer second‑scoring threat when Middleton rests. Ament adds depth at forward, capable of defending both wings and providing a stretch‑four option, which aligns with the Bucks’ emphasis on spacing the floor. Their rookie contracts also free up cap space for future free‑agency moves, a strategic advantage as the team eyes a deeper playoff run.
What does recent form mean for the draft outlook?
The Bucks’ 2‑0‑3 recent stretch, highlighted by a 126‑106 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, underscores defensive lapses that the new draftees could help address. Losing the last two games exposed a need for perimeter defense and rebounding consistency—areas where Burries’ quick hands and Ament’s block‑rate could be immediately useful. While the team’s offense remains potent, the recent slump suggests the front office is eager for fresh talent to sustain momentum and avoid another early‑round exit.
Next steps for Milwaukee Bucks
Both rookies will join the summer league roster, where they’ll face veteran competition and adapt to Budenholzer’s motion offense. Their performance will dictate minutes in training camp and potential two‑way contracts. Meanwhile, Milwaukee will monitor free‑agency targets that could complement the draft class, aiming to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo in a championship window. The Bucks’ front office expects the new picks to develop alongside the veteran core, hoping the blend of youth and experience propels the team past the conference semifinals.