The Art of Finding NBA Draft Gems
The Milwaukee Bucks, one of the NBA’s storied franchises, have a knack for uncovering talent where others see risk. While high lottery picks like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1969, No. 1 overall) have defined the Bucks’ championship history, their late-round draft picks have often delivered outsized impact. From two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to scoring machine Michael Redd, these under-the-radar selections have shaped the franchise’s legacy. As the 2025 NBA Draft unfolds on June 25-26 in Brooklyn, the Bucks hold the No. 47 pick, a chance to add another gem to their roster. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the Bucks’ best late-round draft picks, their journeys, and why Milwaukee’s scouting prowess deserves more praise. Let’s celebrate the hidden stars who became Bucks legends.
Why Late-Round Picks Matter
Late-round draft picks—typically selections in the second round or late first round—are low-risk, high-reward bets. With only a 10% chance of a pick between No. 40 and No. 50 becoming a rotation player, according to The Athletic, finding a star in these slots is a testament to a team’s scouting and development. For the Bucks, who lack a first-round pick in 2025 due to trades for Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard, the No. 47 pick is a critical opportunity to add depth on a cost-controlled contract, especially with Damian Lillard’s Achilles injury and trade rumors swirling around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks’ history of late-round success offers hope. Players like Nikola Jokić (No. 41, 2014, Denver Nuggets) and Jalen Brunson (No. 33, 2018, Dallas Mavericks) prove that second-round picks can become superstars. Milwaukee’s own late-round gems have not only contributed on the court but also defined the franchise’s identity. Here are the best of them.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (No. 15, 2013)
No discussion of Bucks draft gems is complete without Giannis Antetokounmpo, selected 15th overall in 2013. Born in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian parents, the “Greek Freak” was a raw, 6’9” forward playing in Greece’s third division. His selection was a gamble, but Milwaukee saw his elite size, athleticism, and work ethic. Few could have predicted he’d become a two-time MVP, NBA champion, and Finals MVP.
Antetokounmpo’s stats with the Bucks are staggering: 23.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game over 11 seasons, with a 54.7% field goal percentage. His 2021 Finals performance, including a 50-point closeout game against the Phoenix Suns, cemented his legacy. HoopsHype ranks him among the top NBA draft picks ever, noting the Bucks’ bold choice paid off “in spades.” As posts on X from June 25, 2025, highlight, Giannis remains the gold standard for late-lottery steals, with fans calling him “the best Bucks pick ever.”
Michael Redd (No. 43, 2000)
Selected 43rd overall out of Ohio State in 2000, Michael Redd became one of the NBA’s premier scorers. Initially a bench player, Redd blossomed into a starter by his third season, averaging 21.7 points per game in 2003-04. His smooth shooting and clutch performances earned him an All-Star nod in 2004 and a spot on the 2008 Olympic “Dream Team.”
Redd’s career with Milwaukee spanned 11 seasons, with 20.0 points per game and 37.0% three-point shooting. He ranks fifth in Bucks history in Win Shares, per Basketball-Reference, and was the team’s offensive cornerstone before Giannis. As Bleacher Report notes, Redd’s 22.6 points per game in 2007-08 showcased his elite scoring prowess, making him a second-round steal. His impact lingered until injuries slowed him, but his legacy as a Bucks great endures.
Bob Dandridge (No. 45, 1969)
Drafted in the fourth round (No. 45 overall) in 1969, Bob Dandridge was a key piece of the Bucks’ 1971 NBA championship. The 6’6” swingman from Norfolk State averaged 18.4 points and 8.0 rebounds over eight seasons with Milwaukee, earning three All-Star nods and MVP votes in 1975-76. His versatility as a scorer and defender made him indispensable alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson.
Dandridge’s impact extended beyond Milwaukee. After joining the Washington Bullets, he earned All-NBA Second Team honors and helped win the 1978 title. HoopsHype praises his “elite career” as a fourth-round pick, noting his 21.0 points per game in the 1978 playoffs. For a Bucks team that went from expansion to champions in three years, Dandridge was a foundational gem.
Paul Pressey (No. 20, 1982)
Selected 20th overall in 1982 from Tulsa, Paul Pressey was a pioneer of the “point forward” role. Under coach Don Nelson, Pressey’s 6’5” frame and playmaking ability redefined the small forward position. He averaged 11.9 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals over eight seasons with the Bucks, becoming a full-time starter in 1984-85. His defensive tenacity earned him three All-Defensive Team selections.
Fox Sports highlights Pressey’s role as Milwaukee’s primary facilitator, noting his ability to thrive alongside stars like Sidney Moncrief. Pressey’s influence on modern versatile forwards, like Draymond Green, underscores his impact. For a late first-round pick, his contributions to the Bucks’ 12 straight playoff appearances (1980-91) were immense.
Alex English (No. 23, 1976)
Though his stardom came elsewhere, Alex English, drafted 23rd overall in 1976 from South Carolina, began his career with the Bucks. In two seasons with Milwaukee, English averaged 9.6 points per game before signing with the Indiana Pacers and later exploding with the Denver Nuggets. His eight All-Star appearances, three All-NBA Second Team honors, and 1983 scoring title with Denver highlight his Hall of Fame career.
HoopsHype notes that English’s quiet Milwaukee stint didn’t reflect his potential, as he became a scoring maestro with 25.9 points per game in Denver. While the Bucks didn’t fully reap the rewards, drafting a future Hall of Famer at No. 23 remains a scouting win.
Honorable Mentions
- Malcolm Brogdon (No. 36, 2016): The 2017 Rookie of the Year averaged 12.7 points and 4.2 assists with the Bucks, playing a key role in their playoff runs. Traded to Indiana in 2019, he remains a reliable rotation player.
- Andre Jackson Jr. (No. 36, 2023): A raw, athletic wing, Jackson showed promise in 2024 with 4.2 points and 2.0 rebounds in limited minutes, offering hope for future contributions.
- Voshon Lenard (No. 46, 1994): A sharpshooter who averaged 11.9 points per game in his career, Lenard’s brief Bucks tenure laid the groundwork for his success with the Miami Heat.
The Bucks’ 2025 Draft Outlook
With only the No. 47 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, per ESPN, the Bucks face a familiar challenge: finding value late. Their draft capital is limited due to trades for Jrue Holiday (2020) and Damian Lillard (2023), with no first-round picks until 2031 and several second-rounders owed to teams like Brooklyn and Orlando. The Athletic emphasizes that Milwaukee must target an undervalued prospect, ideally a wing who can shoot and defend, to address roster depth issues amid Lillard’s injury and Antetokounmpo trade speculation.
Recent X posts from June 25, 2025, by accounts like @jsonline_sports and @onwnews highlight the Bucks’ history of late-round success, suggesting optimism for the No. 47 pick. Analysts like Cam Wilhorn (@CamWilhorn) proposed instant-impact players like Jaylen Wells or long-term projects like Ryan Dunn, indicating Milwaukee’s dual focus on immediate help and future potential. With coach Doc Rivers and GM Jon Horst steering the ship, the Bucks’ scouting team will lean on their track record to find another diamond in the rough.
Why These Gems Matter
The Bucks’ late-round picks have been more than roster fillers; they’ve been game-changers. Giannis transformed the franchise into a championship contender, Redd carried the offense during lean years, and Dandridge helped secure a title. These players highlight Milwaukee’s ability to identify talent others overlook, a skill critical in today’s NBA where second-rounders like Jokić and Brunson shine.
For a team at a crossroads—facing Lillard’s absence and potential roster upheaval—these draft successes offer a blueprint. The Bucks’ No. 47 pick in 2025 could yield a rotation player to bolster their playoff push or a trade asset to reshape the roster. As Forbes notes, Milwaukee’s draft strategy will be pivotal in maximizing Giannis’ prime and maintaining their competitive edge.
The Bigger Picture: Bucks’ Draft Legacy
The Bucks’ ability to find late-round gems reflects their scouting acumen and commitment to development. From Giannis’ rise from obscurity to Redd’s emergence as an All-Star, these players embody the franchise’s resilience. However, Milwaukee’s limited draft capital through 2031, per Yahoo Sports, underscores the need for precision in 2025. Trading picks for stars like Holiday and Lillard brought a 2021 title, but it’s left the Bucks reliant on late-round hits to stay competitive.
As the NBA evolves, with teams prioritizing versatile wings and skilled bigs, Milwaukee’s draft strategy must adapt. The success of players like Brogdon and Jackson Jr. in recent years shows the potential for second-rounders to contribute, even on a contender. With the right pick at No. 47, the Bucks could add a piece to complement Giannis or fuel a trade for veteran help.
Celebrating Milwaukee’s Draft Magic
The Milwaukee Bucks have a storied history of turning late-round picks into stars, from Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP dominance to Bob Dandridge’s championship heroics. As they approach the 2025 NBA Draft with the No. 47 pick, the Bucks have a chance to add another chapter to this legacy. Whether it’s a sharpshooting wing or a defensive sparkplug, Milwaukee’s next gem could shape their future.
Follow the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25-26 on ESPN and share your thoughts in the comments. Which Bucks late-round pick is your favorite, and who should they target in 2025?
