The Milwaukee Bucks are a long way away from the team that won the NBA Championship in 2021. With two most recent draft projections from FanSided showing them picking up Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson, the Bucks could hopefully be on the verge of a resurgence that changes their fate.
Calling the last few years rough for the Bucks is an understatement. Under the watchful eye of now-former head coach Doc Rivers, the franchise has collapsed into irrelevance. They missed the playoffs this year by a country mile, indicating that something definitely needs to change in Milwaukee.
The team made the smartest decision they’ve made since drafting Giannis Antetokounmpo by letting Rivers go. His time with the Bucks was nothing to write home about or even watch on TV. It’s the first step in rebuilding the team before Antetokounmpo has had enough and finally decides to walk.
Another big step will be the 2026 NBA Draft. Given the depth of talent available this year and how poorly the Bucks performed in the regular season, Milwaukee has a real opportunity to score an incredible running buddy for Antetokounmpo, something he’s asked for repeatedly in recent years.
The Milwaukee Bucks have a big opportunity in the NBA Draft
FanSided’s mock draft right after March Madness projected Milwaukee picking third and selecting Duke forward Cameron Boozer. That was followed up with a new draft after the regular season ended, showing them picking Caleb Wilson, a forward out of North Carolina, fourth.
To be completely clear, both players would be excellent additions to the Bucks and would complement the Greek Freak nicely. Honestly, there are no wrong choices in this situation. Milwaukee comes out ahead in either situation. That being said, there is an X-factor to keep in mind.
As it stands right now, the Bucks do not have a head coach to replace Rivers yet. Whether the team drafts Boozer, Wilson, or someone else, that player will require development to get them up to speed. How effectively that’s done will depend a lot on who the new head coach ends up being.
This draft could land the Bucks the perfect sidekick for Antetokounmpo or his potential replacement if he decides it’s time to leave Milwaukee. Regardless, the franchise cannot miss on this one. If they do, it could set the Bucks back even further than they already are after years of treading water.