One of the Milwaukee Bucks' most glaring issues this season was a lack of athleticism. The latest list of draft workout attendees makes it look like they are trying to fix that.
The front office somewhat addressed the issue with the mid-season additions of Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., and Jericho Sims. Overall, the roster was still too old to compete with the Indiana Pacers and lacked the necessary athleticism and youthful energy to keep up with their opponents.
Damian Lillard's injury leaves the backcourt light, the wing positions were a real issue in the playoffs, and the frontcourt lacked athleticism. All of these spots need addressing, so the Milwaukee Bucks can go in a variety of ways with the 47th pick, but some athleticism at any spot would help.
Bucks need to add athleticism and experience with their draft selection
Milwaukee has tried to add more athleticism in recent drafts with the additions of AJ Johnson, Tyler Smith, Chris Livingston and Andre Jackson Jr. Johnson was in the Kuzma deal, Jackson broke into the lineup and now finds himself sitting at the end of the bench. Livingston has struggled to make any impression in his two seasons, and Smith spent his rookie year in the G League. What they need is more experienced and NBA-ready prospects.
According to HoopsHype, Milwaukee is doing just that with the twelve players they are working out. Max Shulga and Mark Sears offer a specialist point guard who can help fill the void left by Lillard. Hunter Sallis, TJ Bamba, Gabe Dorsey and Coleman Hawkins offer wing options that can add reliable scoring. In the frontcourt, Dain Dainja, Brandon Huntley, Darrion Williams, Samson Johnson and Izan Almansa provide options, but there is no true center being worked out as of yet.
Outside of Almansa, who has been playing in Australia and is still just 19, the Bucks are working out all seniors or juniors. Having players who are ready to come in and make an immediate impact is what the Milwaukee Bucks need. Johnson was a risk and a project player before they moved him on to Washington. This year, they can't make the same mistake with taking a player that might come good in five years; they need players for the present.
Milwaukee only has Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyler Smith, and Kyle Kuzma all guaranteed to be on the roster entering the 2025-26 season. Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, and Porter all have player options, whilst AJ Green, Jackson, and Livingston have non-guaranteed deals. Keeping Sims and Gary Trent Jr. would be ideal for the Milwaukee Bucks, but they will need more athleticism as they look to build a roster around Giannis to continue competing for a title.
The team worked best down the stretch when Giannis was surrounded by athletic players who could shoot. That should be the blueprint moving forward and the direction they look to in the draft. Having the ability to switch on defense is key for the Bucks. Lopez was exposed this season with teams targeting a switch on him and taking full advantage, to the point where the veteran big was almost unplayable against the Pacers.
We are less than a month away from the draft, and the Milwaukee Bucks' selection will dictate what free agency moves they are likely to make. They can't make the same mistake of taking a flyer on an inexperienced, raw prospect; they need a player who can contribute straight away with much-needed athleticism, and their workout list suggests they are targeting that.