Milwaukee Bucks draft Burries and Ament amid Antetokounmpo departure
Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst says the franchise is focused on building a new identity after drafting Brayden Burries and Nate Ament amid the pending departure of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player is set to join the Miami Heat following a blockbuster trade agreement late on Monday.
However, because the deal cannot officially be completed until 6 July, Horst declined to discuss the specifics of the landmark transfer.
Instead, the Bucks executive emphasised the future after securing their highest draft selections since 2016.
“We’re just really excited to continue to build and add on piece and piece and create an identity,” Horst said.
“Got a lot of work ahead of us, but it’s a good start.”
A new era begins in Milwaukee
The Eastern Conference side selected guard Burries at number 10 before using the 13th overall pick on forward Ament.
That 13th selection was acquired as part of the imminent trade package from Miami.
These selections mark the first lottery picks of Horst’s tenure, which began in 2017.
The Wisconsin franchise opted for the Heat’s offer over a rival bid from the Boston Celtics due to the flexibility provided by heavy draft capital.
Miami will send Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr and Kasparas Jakucionis to Milwaukee, alongside three first-round picks.
Targeting size and versatility
Burries, a 6ft 4in guard, arrives after helping lead Arizona to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.
“He’s been a winner his whole career,” Horst added.
The general manager noted that the scouting department views the former Wildcat as one of the best two-way prospects in this year’s draft class.
Meanwhile, the 6ft 10in Ament joins from Tennessee and is considered a development project boasting a unique mix of size and perimeter skill.
“If we had the chance to take Nate with that pick, that’s what we were going to do,” Horst explained.
The aggressive roster overhaul signals a dramatic shift in direction for Milwaukee.
After a decade spent building championship-contending teams around their Greek superstar, the Bucks must now forge a new path in the Eastern Conference.