Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Bucks fans and fans across the country.
Bucks GM Jon Horst has copped a lot of criticism over the journey for his drafting record, and let’s be honest, it hasn’t been great. I mean, even removing second-round picks, his first-round pick record—including the likes of DJ Wilson, MarJon Beauchamp, and AJ Johnson—speaks for itself.
With all of that said, it is worth noting that the last time Horst picked in the lottery was 2016 (where he took Thon Maker, but still). Most of his first-round picks have been in the mid-20s, so there is obviously going to be some volatility considering the calibre of the players available at that part of the draft. Also, there have been plenty of other teams that have deplorable drafting records when picking in these spots.
On the other hand, you can make the case that even though consistently picking in the 20s means there will invariably be hits and misses, not being able to even find stock-standard role players at these spots is still an indictment. Like, if you look at the 2024 draft, Horst took AJ Johnson at 24 and Tyler Smith at 33; both of those guys are basically out of the league three years later.
Kyshawn George went 25th, TJ Shannon went 27th, Ryan Dunn 28th, Isaiah Collier 29th, Baylor Scheierman 30th, Kyle Filipowski 32nd, Johnny Furphy 34th, Ajay Mitchell 38th, Jaylen Wells 39th, Oso Ighodaro 40th, Pelle Larsson 44th. There were hits littered throughout this segment of the draft, and Horst managed to not only miss on both picks… they were air balls (all due respect).
But now that Horst had the chance pick inside the lottery for the first time in a decade, his selection of Brayden Burries looks like a steal at 10; I know it’s early days yet, but man, did he look good in Vegas. I think it’s far too early to decide on Nate Ament—who was always going to be more of a project—but Burries was billed as a guy who could come in and play right away, and that’s exactly what he looked like.
So, with all of this in mind, us at Brew Hoop wanted to ask if we, as a collective of fans, have been unfair toward Horst with respect to his drafting record. What say you?
Have fans been too harsh on Horst's drafting record?
Have fans been too harsh on Horst's drafting record given that he hasn't picked in the lottery since 2016 and the selection of Brayden Burries looks to be a major hit?
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