3 Positions The Milwaukee Bucks Should Target

For nearly a decade, the NBA Draft has come and gone with little fanfare in Milwaukee. That’s the price of success—a franchise that’s lived near the top of the NBA has routinely cashed in future picks for win-now moves.

That approach won’t change in 2025, but for once, the Bucks do hold a draft chip. With the 47th overall pick in the second round, Milwaukee has a chance to roll the dice on a developmental prospect who could help shape the future (or be traded for a rotational player at the deadline).

The 2025 NBA Draft tips off on Wednesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. CT. Let’s break down three positions the Bucks should consider with their lone pick.

Point Guard

The Bucks enter the offseason with a gaping hole at point guard. Damian Lillard is expected to miss most—if not all—of next season as he recovers from an Achilles injury. Kevin Porter Jr. is likely to decline his player option, and Ryan Rollins hits restricted free agency. That leaves Milwaukee with exactly zero healthy floor generals.

Given their circumstances, the Bucks don’t necessarily need a traditional pass-first point guard. With Giannis Antetokounmpo taking on more ball-handling duties, Milwaukee could target a modern guard—someone with size, shooting potential, and defensive chops who can play alongside or off Giannis.

Ideally, they’ll find a guard who can help stretch the floor while keeping up with the league’s speed demons on the defensive end.

Three-and-D Wing

In today’s NBA, you can never have too many wings who can shoot and defend. Milwaukee is no exception.

The Bucks will bring back AJ Green and Andre Jackson Jr. Green looks poised for an expanded role—his lightning-quick release and elite three-point shooting make him a valuable weapon. He’s also shown steady growth on the defensive end.

Jackson Jr., meanwhile, remains a mixed bag. His elite athleticism and high motor make him fun to watch, but his offensive limitations continue to be a concern.

Milwaukee hopes to lock in Gary Trent Jr. long-term after a productive one-year prove-it deal in Milwaukee. But with Taurean Prince unlikely to return and Chris Livingston a potential roster casualty, the Bucks would be wise to stockpile another versatile wing who brings size, shooting, and defensive versatility to the table.

Athletic Center

The Bucks’ frontcourt could look very different by the time training camp opens. Brook Lopez and Jericho Sims are both unrestricted free agents. Bobby Portis could decline his player option and explore other opportunities.

Even if Milwaukee retains one or more of those veterans, there’s room to invest in the future. The Bucks could use their pick to grab a young, athletic big who can protect the rim and run the floor—an ideal frontcourt partner for Antetokounmpo in smaller lineups.

Last season showed that Giannis can play next to a non-shooting big in Sims, which opens the door to prioritizing defense and athleticism over spacing. Adding a high-motor, shot-blocking big man would help keep Milwaukee’s interior defense among the league’s best.