The Milwaukee Bucks are staring down the barrel of a top-10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft-something that, under different circumstances, might feel like a golden opportunity. This year’s class is loaded with talent, and landing a lottery selection should, in theory, be a chance to inject some much-needed youth and upside into a roster that’s struggled to keep pace in the Eastern Conference. But for the Bucks, recent history paints a more sobering picture: high draft picks haven’t exactly been their strong suit.
Let’s talk about the track record. Since Jon Horst took over as general manager, the Bucks’ first-round selections have largely missed the mark-either failing to develop or getting flipped in trades before fully settling in.
D.J. Wilson never really carved out a role and was eventually moved.
Donte DiVincenzo showed flashes and had some strong moments, but injuries and inconsistency derailed his trajectory in Milwaukee before he was dealt for a short-term veteran in Serge Ibaka. Then there’s MarJon Beauchamp, a long, athletic wing who had the tools but never managed to put it all together.
And most recently, AJ Johnson-a pick that raised eyebrows the moment it was announced. Johnson came in as a raw, young point guard with tantalizing upside but minimal experience.
The Bucks were in need of a plug-and-play wing at the time, and they passed on more polished, NBA-ready options like Ryan Dunn, Kyshawn George, and Terrence Shannon Jr. in favor of a long-term project. Fast forward to today, and Johnson has yet to make a meaningful impact.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s wing depth remains paper-thin.
To be fair, not every draft miss is a front-office blunder in real time. DiVincenzo, for instance, had a strong college résumé and looked like a smart pick at the time.
Injuries played a big role in his uneven development. And Beauchamp’s athleticism and frame were enough to justify the swing, even if it didn’t pan out.
But when you stack these picks together, a pattern starts to emerge: the Bucks haven’t been able to turn first-round selections into reliable contributors. And when you’re a team with championship aspirations-or even just playoff hopes-that’s a tough pill to swallow.
So here we are again. Another lottery pick on the horizon.
Another chance to add a young piece in a draft class that scouts are calling one of the deepest in years. But for Milwaukee, the pressure is on.
This isn’t just about grabbing a name with upside. It’s about finding someone who can help right away or grow into a core piece without wasting more developmental years.
The Bucks’ front office has had its wins-smart trades, savvy veteran signings, and of course, building around Giannis Antetokounmpo during his prime. But the draft?
That’s been a blind spot. And if they’re going to climb back into contention, they can’t afford to swing and miss again.
This upcoming pick could be a franchise-shaping moment. The question is: will the Bucks finally get it right?