Lottery luck could significantly impact the Milwaukee Bucks’ future, as the team finds itself in a tricky position. They showed promise before the All-Star break and may be regaining health, yet a favorable draft outcome could give them the opportunity to add a quality player if fortune smiles their way.
In a recent mock draft, Ricky O’Donnell of SB Nation projected that the Milwaukee Bucks might select Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, giving them the chance to pair a talented emerging guard alongside their franchise cornerstone, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“Milwaukee was the big winner of our lottery simulation, and this is a league-changing outcome. Suddenly, Giannis Antetokounmpo would have a bright future with the Bucks as they land a guard with All-NBA upside in Peterson,” O’Donnell wrote in his article.
Is Darryn Peterson a future member of the Milwaukee Bucks?
Jan 24, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson (22) reacts after scoring during the first half against the BYU Cougars at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
During his freshman season at Kansas, Peterson has shown glimpses of elite scoring talent, even while dealing with injuries and other challenges.
“The Kansas freshman has underwhelmed expectations as he’s battled a hamstring strain and cramping issues, but he’s been putting up huge scoring numbers (43.5 points per 100 possessions on 62 percent true shooting). We still haven’t seen the best of Peterson yet with the Jayhawks, but his shot-making has already been phenomenal and his rim pressure and defensive playmaking should be a lot better when he’s 100 percent physically,” the analyst continued.
Jan 31, 2026; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson (22) reacts during the first half against the BYU Cougars at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Despite the injuries, Peterson’s offensive game has been impressive enough to make a case for him as one of the most talented scorers in recent college basketball history. If Milwaukee lands him, the team would pair a promising young star in Peterson with another talented young guard in Ryan Rollins, positioning the Bucks as one of the more intriguing rosters in the NBA moving forward.