Key facts
- The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Brayden Burries 10th and Nate Ament 13th overall.
- These picks were part of the package received in the trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat.
- Coach Taylor Jenkins emphasized the players' competitiveness and potential for growth.
- General Manager Jon Horst cited competitiveness, character, and IQ as key traits targeted in the draft picks.
- Burries is noted for his two-way impact and defensive ability, while Ament is seen as having higher upside but needing development.
The Milwaukee Bucks have drafted Brayden Burries and Nate Ament with lottery picks, signaling a new era for the franchise following the trade of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Burries, a guard from Arizona, was selected 10th overall, while Ament, a forward from Tennessee, was chosen 13th.
Coach Taylor Jenkins has already engaged the new recruits in rigorous evaluation, discussing their worst plays during predraft meetings. Jenkins expressed confidence in their competitiveness and untapped potential, noting that both players have significant room for growth. General Manager Jon Horst echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team's focus on acquiring players with strong character, competitiveness, and high basketball IQ.
The selections of Burries and Ament are crucial for the Bucks' rebuilding efforts, especially given their limited draft capital in recent years. The team received these picks as part of the package in the Antetokounmpo trade, which also sent Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, draft pick swaps, and future draft selections.
Burries is noted for his immediate impact potential, showcasing strong defensive capabilities and an offensive game that includes averaging 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, with a 39.1% three-point shooting percentage. Ament, while potentially having a higher upside, is expected to require more development time to add strength to his frame. He averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, though his season was affected by an ankle injury. Both players expressed enthusiasm for working with Coach Jenkins, whom they believe will help them maximize their potential.