The year 2025 puts the Milwaukee Bucks in a peculiar position, occupying the 47th place in the overall order of the NBA Draft. The team’s history insinuates a promising expectation, given their record of securing exceptional talents, even in the second round. Some notable picks during these later stages include Michael Redd, who has earned an All-Star title, as well as the Hall of Famer, Bob Dandridge. Malcolm Brogdon, another gem selected in a subsequent round, has also procured Rookie of the Year awards.
With an early playoff exit under their belt, the team is presented with an opportunity to refresh itself, delving into the horizon of the future. The two-day NBA draft, set to begin on the 25th of June 2025, provides the perfect avenue for this. Despite missing a Day 1 draft pick, the Bucks can still spot a shining prospect with their lone selection at 47th place in the second and final round.
While this position may seem unfavourable to the untrained eye, the Milwaukee Bucks front office has mastered the art of identifying potential superstars even in such later stages. In fact, Milwaukee is in a league of its own when it comes to the later draft picks. It is the only franchise to have ever selected an athlete who went on to become the Rookie of the Year, after the NBA/ABA merger in 1976.
One striking testament to the skill of the Milwaukee Bucks in securing high-quality talent in the latter rounds is the selection of Malcolm Brogdon in 2016. With pick number 36 from Virginia, Brogdon shocked many critics and fans alike with his immediate positive influence on the court. This influence ensured his Rookie of the Year award, silencing doubters of the talent pool in second round picks.
During his three-year tenure with the Bucks, Brogdon distinguished himself as a scorer with historical efficiency. His subsequent transfer to the Indiana Pacers, in a sign-and-trade deal for a first-round pick as well as two second-round picks, was a move that further emphasized his high value. Brogdon’s shooting prowess during his 2018-19 season etched his name among eminent players like Larry Bird, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry.
Brogdon’s expertise was not just about his scoring, but also about the impressive finesse with which he attained the numbers. His membership in the exclusive 50/40/90 club – players who have at least a 50% field goal percentage, a 40% three-point percentage, and a 90% free throw percentage – underscores this. Among the eight elite members of the 50/40/90 club, Brogdon is the only one who has not yet received the honor of All-NBA or All-Star team selections, although he can boast of a Sixth Man of the Year award.
Appearing at the latter part of the draft at 43rd position in the year 2000, Michael Redd is another classic example of a formidable player selected by the Bucks. His offensive power became evidently ingrained in the team throughout his 11-season journey at Milwaukee. His notable achievements include the NBA’s sixth-highest scoring average of 26.7 points per game during the 2006-07 season.
Redd’s scoring average placed him among the highest scoring individuals in the league, surpassing even the league’s MVP Dirk Nowitzki and situating him closely behind players such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. His fabulous career notwithstanding, Redd received All-Star and All-NBA distinctions just once. Nonetheless, he engraved his name in the annals of the Bucks’ history, securing an average of 20 points per game throughout his stint in Milwaukee.
Also worthy of mention is Bob Dandridge, another gem uncovered during the late stages of the draft. His influencing role in the Bucks’ 1971 NBA Championship victory is nothing short of legendary significance. Despite being the 45th pick in the 1969 NBA Draft, which was before the NBA/ABA merger when there were merely 14 teams, Dandridge amplified his talent on the court.
Drafted in the fourth round, Dandridge turned out to be more than just an ordinary pick. He scaled incredible heights under the wings of fellow draft mate, Abdul-Jabbar. Today, Dandridge’s remarkable achievements keep him close to Antetokounmpo in various parts of the Bucks’ franchise record charts.
So, where does this leave the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2025 NBA draft? The departure from their recent early playoff exits offers the team a strong inclination to re-strategize and reconsider their future plans. Their proven record of discernment in late-round picks can bring more surprising talent to the forefront.
As the 2025 NBA draft approaches, anticipation runs high, not just within the organisation, but also among fans who believe in the Bucks’ prowess in unearthing great talent irrespective of the drafting round. Even with just a single selection in the second round, there’s still a remarkable opportunity for the team to reveal their choices and exhibit their discerning eye for potential talent.
The forthcoming draft day will answer all queries and shed light on the names that will be part of the future of the Milwaukee Bucks. Amidst these compelling questions, the team has a chance to once again prove its sabermetric acumen, especially in the second round of the draft. Regardless of the results of this draft, Milwaukee’s legacy in scouting proficient players in the late rounds remains unchallenged.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ strategy as they enter this 2025 draft is not only about picking another player; it’s a tactical exploration of the available talent that might bring forth the next Brogdon, Redd, or Dandridge. It’s a strategic quest in the team’s continuous journey towards success. It’s the belief in the power that each pick holds, and it is this belief that has been the pillar underpinning the remarkable history of the Milwaukee Bucks’ franchise.
The post Milwaukee Bucks: Diamond in Second Round Draft Rough appeared first on Real News Now.
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