The Milwaukee Bucks appear headed for a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, according to several recent mock projections. With March Madness approaching, the draft landscape could still shift dramatically. Much of the buzz this year surrounds a talented freshman class that has dominated the college basketball scene, and one prospect frequently linked to Milwaukee is Arizona guard Brayden Burries.
The Bucks could find themselves in position to add a major young talent in the upcoming draft, according to a recent mock from Jeremy Woo released ahead of NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. With questions continuing to swirl around the long term outlook of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, the team may need to consider future cornerstones if it lands in the lottery. Woo projects the Bucks to choose Burries of the Arizona Wildcats, a guard known for his ability to create offense and provide scoring from the shooting guard spot.
If the Bucks intend to hold on to Giannis Antetokounmpo, selecting a prospect who can contribute right away might be the more logical approach with the pick. That said, Brayden Burries has steadily climbed draft boards throughout the college basketball campaign. Although he may not be as refined as several other prospects in the class, his long term upside remains extremely intriguing.
Brayden Burries fit with the Bucks
Mar 7, 2026; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) shoots the ball over Colorado Buffaloes forward Bangot Dak (8) in the first half at the CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
“He has been effective on and off the ball, a capable screen operator who can also catch and shoot (37% from 3), giving him a good base to build on as a long-term backcourt fixture. While a year older than many of his freshman classmates and slightly undersized for a two-guard at 6-4, he’s gaining steam as a late-lottery name, adding yet another freshman to this mix,” Woo wrote in his article.
Burries has put together a strong season with the Wildcats, averaging 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 31 games while shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 37 percent from three point range. He has shown comfort both with and without the ball, functioning as a screen setter or spotting up for catch and shoot looks, which gives him a solid base to grow into a dependable long term option in an NBA backcourt.
Mar 2, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) makes a three point basket during the first half of the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
Ultimately, whatever direction the Milwaukee Bucks take in the draft will likely take a back seat to the uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even if Brayden Burries appears to be a strong fit, the lingering questions about Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee could influence the team to pursue a different option.