Top Options for the Bucks’ No. 23 Pick in the 2024 NBA Draft

The Milwaukee Bucks face a pivotal decision: should they draft a big man or a wing with their first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft?

After another early playoff exit, the Bucks must focus on future prospects. With Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Khris Middleton under contract for two more years, the team aims to build a roster capable of immediate playoff success before their championship window closes.

With limited cap space, the Bucks’ best chance to add talent is through the 2024 NBA Draft. They hold the 23rd and 33rd picks. Here are four players they should consider for their first-round pick:

Kel’el Ware (Center), Indiana
Athletic seven-footers with a developed offensive game are rare. Indiana’s Kel’el Ware is a promising candidate and could be available at pick number 23. Ware is known for his aerial prowess, ranking ninth in the country in 2023-24 with 63 dunks, and he averaged 1.9 blocks per game. More than just a rim-runner, Ware shot 42.5% from three last season, hinting at potential as a floor-spacing big man like Karl Anthony Towns or Myles Turner. Consistency will be key for Ware to succeed in the NBA.

DaRon Holmes (Forward), Dayton
DaRon Holmes showcased what teams hope Ware can become in the NBA. Holmes was a dominant two-way player at Dayton, earning Consensus Second Team All-American honors in 2024. He averaged 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while shooting 38.6% from three. However, Holmes’ experience against high-level opponents is limited, having played in the Atlantic 10. If his athleticism translates to the NBA, Holmes could be a valuable pick as a slightly older player ready to contribute immediately.

Kyshawn George (Wing), Miami (FL)
If the Bucks opt for a wing, Miami’s Kyshawn George is an intriguing prospect. Offensively, George is primarily a three-point shooter, making 40.8% of his attempts from deep, which improved to 43.2% in ACC play. He also averaged 2.2 assists per game as a low-usage player. Defensively, George excels with his 6-7 frame and 6-10 wingspan, making him a versatile defender. While he needs refinement on both ends, George is a promising one-and-done player who fits the Bucks’ needs.

Yves Missi (Center), Baylor
Though Yves Missi lacks the floor-spacing potential and refined offensive game of Holmes or Ware, his defensive capabilities and athleticism offer significant upside. At 6-10 with a 7-2 wingspan, Missi is a formidable rim protector with the agility to defend multiple positions. Brook Lopez’s drop coverage hurt the Bucks against the Pacers in the playoffs by leaving shooters open. Missi’s athleticism could address this defensive issue. Offensively, he excels as a rim-runner and offensive rebounder, fitting well with the Bucks.

Potential Trade for Brook Lopez?

With PJ Tucker and Jrue Holiday gone, another starter from the Bucks’ 2021 title team could be on the move. Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer reported that the Bucks might aim for a more versatile defensive style next season, raising questions about Brook Lopez’s future in Milwaukee.

Lopez has been vital since joining the Bucks in 2018, spacing the floor with his three-point shooting and being a top interior defender, earning All-Defensive First Team honors in 2023. However, his defensive impact is mainly confined to the paint, and he struggles to defend on the perimeter, a skill Milwaukee may now prioritize. At 36 and in the final year of his contract, Lopez could be a prime trade candidate as the Bucks look to adapt their defensive strategy.