The Atlanta Hawks shocked everyone recently by snagging the top choice in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. In the meantime, it is anticipated that the Milwaukee Bucks would select a talented Kansas Jayhawks wing with their 23rd pick.
Following a poor season in which the Trae Young-led squad was eliminated from the Play-In Tournament, Atlanta took home the first overall pick. The Hawks moved up nine spots in the draft order to take home the first pick, with a mere three percent chance of doing so.
Although it startled everyone when the Hawks selected first overall, there have been other instances in NBA history where a team with less favorable odds has chosen that particular player. Though they had less opportunities than Atlanta, the 1993 Orlando Magic, 2008 Chicago Bulls, 2011, and 2014 Cleveland Cavaliers all took the top pick in their respective drafts.The 23rd and possibly the 33rd pick are expected to go to the Bucks, in the meanwhile. The former resulted from a pick exchange with the New Orleans Pelicans, which was first made in the 2020 Jrue Holiday deal. Conversely, the Portland Trail Blazers will provide the latter.
The Bucks still have the opportunity to add an exciting talent to the current team, even if they will be selecting late in the first round. According to Jeremy Woo and Jonathan Givony’s mock draft for ESPN, John Furphy of Kansas is predicted to be selected by Milwaukee:
“The Bucks must keep adding shooting at every position in order to properly space the floor for their elite players. Milwaukee, which is expected to consider trades if more ready-made players are offered here, may find it intriguing to acquire a 6-foot-9 wing like Furphy who can score, play in the open floor, and be a cutter in the long run, according to Givonny.
Furphy, a wing for the Kansas Jayhawks, averaged 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in the 18 games he participated in during the NCAA Tournament. In addition, he made nearly 50% of his field goals, 36% of his long shots, and 78% of his free throws from the free throw line.
