The Milwaukee Bucks have the final pick in the 2023 NBA draft at No. 58, and it naturally won’t have the fanfare of other picks. But who are some of the names to consider? Let’s examine some players popping up in mock drafts near the final stages of the draft, taking place June 22.
Ricky Council IV, Arkansas
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer writes, “Council is an elite athlete worthy of a gamble this late in the draft for a team such as the Bucks in need of some youth with upside.” O’Connor believes the 6-5 wing isn’t an elite three-point shooter and exhibits some inconsistency both as a passer and defender, but he credits Council as an active and aware cutter with superior finishing ability.
Oscar Tshiebwe, Kentucky
The power forward was national player of the year two seasons ago, though there have always been questions about his game translating to the NBA, even though he’s one of the best rebounders in NCAA history.
“A playoff team could see a value pick in Tshiebwe, who should be able to continue rebounding and making energy plays,” wrote Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report. “He also flashed some budding mid-range touch over the past year.”
Zvonimir Ivišić, Studentski Centar (Croatia)
The 19-year-old big man could be a floor spacer even at 7-3, even though he’s obviously regarded as a big-time project to be projected as available with the final pick of the draft. ESPN connected the Bucks to Ivisic.
Toumani Camara, Dayton
Yahoo! Sports analyst Krysten Peek puts the 23-year-old, 6-8, 220-pounder in Milwaukee. He’s undersized for a frontcourt player but is a two-time all-defensive team pick in the Atlantic 10 and a four-year starter who’s gotten better over his career.
Mouhamed Gueye, Washington State
This is a name that The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie had connected to the Bucks in mid-May. The 6-11 big man is just 20 and is compared to a couple former Bucks — Christian Wood and Thon Maker — by O’Connor at the Ringer. He’s a top-flight athlete who can play multiple positions, though he’s a work in progress on both ends of the floor.
Jordan Miller, Miami
He’s a player Bryan Kalbrosky of FTW connected to the Bucks. The 6-7 wing played five seasons of college basketball, with the last two at Miami. He played guard in college but could play a wing role in the NBA. He’s better inside the arc and off the ball but can finish, defend four positions and got steadily better in college.
Adama Sanogo, Connecticut
The 6-8, 245-pounder is still just 21 after leading UConn to the national title and earning the Final Four Most Outstanding Player. He’s an effective post player on offense and a strong on-ball defender.
Emoni Bates, Eastern Michigan
Once regarded as the most exciting high-school player in his class, Bates struggled at Memphis both on and off the court and wound up at Eastern Michigan last year. He’s still a shotmaking threat and, at 6-8, 179 and 19 years old, might still harbor untapped potential, especially if he’s surrounded by veteran mentors.
Isaiah Wong, Miami
The ACC Player of the Year can score from just about everywhere. The 6-3, 178-pounder hit 38.4% of his three-point shots last year and helped Miami get to the Final Four, but he’s a shade undersized.