Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst
Jan 24, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst address the media after head coach Adrian Griffin (not pictured) was dismissed at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Bucks once hit the jackpot by drafting a relatively unknown kid from Europe in 2013 who went on to become a two-time MVP and lead them to a 2021 title. Some are reasoning that they might get someone similar or close to Giannis Antetokounmpo with their 47th pick selection in the 2025 NBA Draft.
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Jul 22, 2021; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) holds his NBA Finals MVP Trophy during the Milwaukee Bucks victory parade. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
That’s what general manager Milt Newton is using as a reason to defend the lanky Bogoljub Markovic from Serbia.
The 6’11 power forward’s selection is not exactly popular among fans.
They thought the team only repeated the mistake they had last year when they drafted AJ Johnson who they said has high potential. He was drafted 23rd overall but is no longer with the team. He was traded as part of the piece that got them Kyle Kuzma in exchange for Khris Middleton.
Another reason is the fact that unlike in 2013 when they were on rebuilding mode, supporters think they should be getting someone who can play now and surround Antetokounmpo with good players.
milwaukee bucks giannis antetokounmpo bucks rumors
Milwaukee Bucks 2024 draft picks AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith pose for a picture with head coach Doc Rivers and general manager Jon Horst at a news conference Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Newton suggests they are not going that route with Markovic.
Milwaukee Bucks assistant general manger Milt Newton tells reporters that they are not sure yet whether or not they will roster Bogoljub Marković next season or stash him overseas, but Marković will join the Bucks for Summer League.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) June 27, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks are being patient again
Bucks fans are impatient but the front office is not.
Newton defended their decision saying they see potential in the 19-year-old.
“For one, we also look at upside. To have a player with that length, who can do the things that he can do, those are all transferrable, translatable things that you can do in the NBA,” he said as quoted by The Athletic’s Eric Nehm.
“But like I said, going back to the fact that playing with grown men, playing in a physical league and being able to have some success in that, we think that is something we can look at and think that, you know what, in a year, two years, he will be able to compete on the NBA level, if not sooner than later. The potential is there, and the upside is there that we just couldn’t pass on.”
Markovic biggest asset right now is his experience playing pro in Serbia. However, most critics think his athletic ability and defense is suspect.
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