The Milwaukee Bucks patched their hole at point guard quite nicely this offseason by bringing back Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins and bringing in Cole Anthony. Of the three, though, only Rollins is a sure-thing long-term solution. Next season and beyond, and they might need to invest in some reinforcements.
One way to do that, suggests ESPN draft expert Jeremy Woo, would be selecting someone like Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. in the 2026 draft. Acuff is off to an explosive start through four games as a freshman but as much as a player of his ilk could sooth a “glaring need,” the prototype is also a glaring problem. The Bucks can’t afford to waste another pick on a young player who isn’t able to help the team immediately.
Drafting another undeveloped youngster is last thing the Bucks need
In the first round of the 2026 draft, the Bucks own the worse of their own pick or the Pelicans’. Based on New Orleans’ dismal start, it seems Milwaukee will indeed retain its own selection. With that in mind, perhaps Woo’s most questionable take is including the Bucks in the final lottery spot, No. 14, which would mean they missed the playoffs.
Nov 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts to a call during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Homerish skepticism aside, let’s look at the pick itself, considered most abstractly as a prototype/example than a player the Bucks would actually consider based on big board rankings and their own draft position.
For the Razorbacks, Acuff is averaging 19.8 points, 4.8 assists, and just 1.8 turnovers with shooting splits of 50.0/41.7/73.3. That’s about as tantalizing a first glimpse as possible for a recently graduated high schooler at a Power 5 program. At this way-too-early stage of mock drafting, Woo has him available for the Bucks in the 14th spot in the draft.
Woo writes, “Acuff is off to a solid start at Arkansas, putting up efficient numbers and shooting it well from long range through four games. His burst and knack for making plays have been on display, and his strength and pace help compensate for his smaller size.”
He characterizes the Bucks as having “a glaring need for long-term backcourt help.” In that he isn’t wrong, as Porter has a player option for next season and Anthony will be a free agent. Porter opting out would leave Rollins and undrafted free agent signee Mark Sears as the only point guards on the roster.
Mar 29, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) celebrates after a play during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Problem is, Acuff just turned 19 two days ago. Milwaukee has gotten atrocious returns on their recent picks in that mold.
AJ Johnson, 2024 first-rounder, draft age 19: traded
Tyler Smith, 2024 second-rounder, draft age 19: released
Chris Livingston, 2023 second-rounder, draft age 19: released
Markovic Bogolijub, 2025 second-rounder, draft age 19: currently stashed overseas
It’s not like their slightly older selections have turned out much if any better. The Bucks flipped MarJon Beauchamp last deadline. Andre Jackson Jr. is still there but clinging at the fringe of the rotation. Jon Horst is well-known as a downright horrific drafter.
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
Still, in win-now mode, the last thing the Bucks need is another 19-year-old to whom they must bid a premature farewell due to the pressures of the present. Maybe Woo assumes they will fall apart and out of contention mode, shipping off Giannis at the trade deadline or next offseason, but that’s a whole different story.
For More Great Wisconsin Content
Follow me on X at @ezsniper14 and follow us@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!