> Vecenie: I have a group of about 19 to 20 players who I really like in this class, and the odds are that one of them will probably fall to the Bucks.
> Vecenie: The name that is incredibly interesting for them is Kel’el Ware, a center from Indiana with enormous measurements and tremendous athleticism for his size. He has potential to shoot and was an elite finisher last season. Having said that, his defensive engagement level can be a bit all over the place. He had moments where he was incredibly effective defensively on the interior and then also had some games where he was ineffectual with his hands in drop coverage. If Ware hits, he’s going to be a legitimate starting center. But there’s a chance that he ends up being a stats guy who doesn’t necessarily impact winning, either. It’s a fascinating bet on your developmental situation because his tools are out of this world.
He also mocked **AJ Johnson to the Bucks at #33** and here’s what Vecenie has to say about him:
> Vecenie: If that’s 19-year-old AJ Johnson from the Illawarra Hawks of the NBL, because they love his upside and potential as a secondary scorer next to Damian Lillard and see him the same way the Blazers saw Anfernee Simons, that’s totally cool, too. The aforementioned Johnson ticks all of the boxes as a shooter and an athletic defender who I thought came in and gave Illawarra good minutes by the end of the season in the NBL, but at less than 170 pounds, he’s no way prepared physically for the NBA right now. If they were taking a long-term approach, though, I don’t mind him as an interesting swing for the fences.
YourFormerBestfriend
I’ve already accepted he’s gonna get picked before he gets to us
americanbeaver
If Ware is there at 23 I think it’s a very good pick. 7 foot plays in the NBA. I just don’t think he’ll be there at 23 haha
DapperTies-
The amount of anger I’m about to have when he’s available and we pass on him will be tremendous. But then I’ll do research on the person we selected and be ok again.
This is the cycle.
VicePope
i wish bruv but we’ll get another forward who can’t shoot or play d for no reason probably
ohboy360
I’ve read elsewhere that some teams are maybe wanting to trade out of the first round due to this perceived weak class.
I wonder if there is some opportunity for the Bucks to move up, or somehow turn our second rounder into another first.
Intriguing for us, given our lack of picks through the next 5 years.
the_greasy_one
If we get Ware and Jones I will be happy. You never know who you’re getting but I’d like us to take a swing with these two.
realmarcusjones
If DaRon or Ware is available and the Bucks don’t select him I am convinced Horst has an actual vendetta against my mental health
8 Comments
Eric Nehm talked to Sam Vecenie about possible Bucks targets a few days ago and this is what Vecenie had to say then.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5564785/2024/06/17/bucks-nba-draft-preview/
> Vecenie: I have a group of about 19 to 20 players who I really like in this class, and the odds are that one of them will probably fall to the Bucks.
> Vecenie: The name that is incredibly interesting for them is Kel’el Ware, a center from Indiana with enormous measurements and tremendous athleticism for his size. He has potential to shoot and was an elite finisher last season. Having said that, his defensive engagement level can be a bit all over the place. He had moments where he was incredibly effective defensively on the interior and then also had some games where he was ineffectual with his hands in drop coverage. If Ware hits, he’s going to be a legitimate starting center. But there’s a chance that he ends up being a stats guy who doesn’t necessarily impact winning, either. It’s a fascinating bet on your developmental situation because his tools are out of this world.
He also mocked **AJ Johnson to the Bucks at #33** and here’s what Vecenie has to say about him:
> Vecenie: If that’s 19-year-old AJ Johnson from the Illawarra Hawks of the NBL, because they love his upside and potential as a secondary scorer next to Damian Lillard and see him the same way the Blazers saw Anfernee Simons, that’s totally cool, too. The aforementioned Johnson ticks all of the boxes as a shooter and an athletic defender who I thought came in and gave Illawarra good minutes by the end of the season in the NBL, but at less than 170 pounds, he’s no way prepared physically for the NBA right now. If they were taking a long-term approach, though, I don’t mind him as an interesting swing for the fences.
I’ve already accepted he’s gonna get picked before he gets to us
If Ware is there at 23 I think it’s a very good pick. 7 foot plays in the NBA. I just don’t think he’ll be there at 23 haha
The amount of anger I’m about to have when he’s available and we pass on him will be tremendous. But then I’ll do research on the person we selected and be ok again.
This is the cycle.
i wish bruv but we’ll get another forward who can’t shoot or play d for no reason probably
I’ve read elsewhere that some teams are maybe wanting to trade out of the first round due to this perceived weak class.
I wonder if there is some opportunity for the Bucks to move up, or somehow turn our second rounder into another first.
Intriguing for us, given our lack of picks through the next 5 years.
If we get Ware and Jones I will be happy. You never know who you’re getting but I’d like us to take a swing with these two.
If DaRon or Ware is available and the Bucks don’t select him I am convinced Horst has an actual vendetta against my mental health