In recent years, the Milwaukee Bucks have faced challenges in the draft, and the 2024 NBA Draft was no exception. If we revisit that draft, it's clear that selecting Tristan da Silva over their original pick, AJ Johnson, could have addressed some of the team's lingering issues.
Tristan da Silva: A Missed Opportunity for the Bucks
The decision to draft AJ Johnson left many puzzled. With the Bucks gearing up for another season with the dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the expectation was for the team to choose a player ready to contribute immediately. Instead, they opted for Johnson, a lesser-known talent who had spent time playing in Australia and wasn't projected to go until much later in the draft.
Tristan da Silva, who was initially picked 18th, would have been a strategic choice for the Bucks, even though he would have slipped slightly in this hypothetical scenario. His shooting prowess and defensive skills on the wing are exactly what Milwaukee could have benefited from.
Currently with the Orlando Magic, da Silva is averaging 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, shooting .427/.365/.842. Despite the Magic's injury woes, he's proven to be a valuable complement to stars like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Imagining da Silva alongside Giannis and Lillard paints a promising picture. The Bucks began the 2024-25 season with Khris Middleton, Taurean Prince, and Pat Connaughton in the small forward rotation. While each brings their strengths, incorporating a younger, more athletic wing could have provided a significant boost.
One consideration with da Silva is his age-entering the league at 23. He has demonstrated he belongs in the NBA, but whether he has a much higher ceiling remains uncertain.
AJ Johnson's Journey
AJ Johnson's time with the Bucks was short-lived. He was part of a trade to acquire Kyle Kuzma, and despite getting some playing time in Washington, he only appeared in 25 games, averaging 8.6 minutes.
The trade deadline saw him move to Dallas as part of the Anthony Davis deal. At 21, Johnson still has potential, but he's yet to secure a stable position in the league.
For the Bucks to have landed Tristan da Silva, several factors would have needed to align. While he might not have been a transformative pick at 23, he certainly would have fit well with the roster and addressed a key weakness for Milwaukee.