Brayden Burries Rising as Potential Lottery Pick for Milwaukee Bucks
With March Madness underway, Arizona guard Brayden Burries has emerged as a potential lottery selection for the Milwaukee Bucks, offering scoring upside amid uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future.
- Glenn Catubig
- 3 min read
As the college basketball season approaches its climactic March Madness stretch, NBA teams are turning their attention to the upcoming draft. First-year college players who have dominated this season are generating considerable buzz, and one standout attracting attention is Brayden Burries of the Arizona Wildcats.
The Milwaukee Bucks appear poised to pick in the lottery, according to recent mock drafts. Questions about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term future in Milwaukee have only heightened the importance of the team’s selection, making the potential addition of a scoring guard like Burries particularly intriguing.
NBA draft analyst Jeremy Woo recently released a mock draft projecting the Bucks to select Burries. The guard’s combination of on- and off-ball scoring ability could help address Milwaukee’s need for additional shooting and floor spacing at the backcourt.
While Burries’ profile is still developing, his season-long rise in performance has caught the attention of scouts and analysts. If the Bucks opt for him, it would signal a strategic choice to add a high-upside talent capable of contributing early while complementing Antetokounmpo’s playstyle.
1. Burries’ College Performance and Skills
Burries has steadily risen as one of the most productive first-year players in college basketball. Across 31 games this season, he is averaging 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, showcasing versatility beyond just scoring. He has proven efficient from the field, shooting 49.7 percent overall, and has connected on 37 percent of three-point attempts. Those numbers underline his ability to contribute both inside and outside the arc. Burries has also demonstrated competency as a screen operator and catch-and-shoot scorer, giving him a versatile foundation for NBA-level backcourt play. His ability to contribute without dominating the ball provides flexibility in offensive schemes. Although he is slightly undersized for a traditional shooting guard at 6-foot-4 and older than many of his freshman peers, his recent performances have propelled him into late-lottery consideration. Arizona has relied on him as a primary offensive engine, and he has delivered consistently throughout the season.
2. Draft Considerations for the Bucks
Milwaukee’s potential selection of Burries comes amid uncertainty surrounding Antetokounmpo’s long-term future. If the franchise plans to retain its superstar, targeting an NBA-ready player with immediate scoring potential would align with maintaining competitive balance. Burries’ ceiling as a scorer makes him an appealing choice in this context. While he may not be as polished as some other draft prospects, his combination of efficiency and scoring versatility could allow him to contribute quickly. Mock drafts, including Woo’s recent projections, highlight Burries as a player capable of providing instant floor spacing and offensive depth. For a team that relies heavily on Antetokounmpo’s playmaking and inside presence, adding a sharpshooting guard could complement the existing core. However, the Bucks must weigh his potential against long-term fit and positional needs. The uncertainty surrounding their star player could influence whether they prioritize upside, NBA readiness, or a complementary skill set in their selection.
3. Burries’ Upside and Challenges
Burries’ profile is one of high potential paired with some limitations. While he has demonstrated scoring ability and basketball IQ, his age and size relative to other freshman prospects may raise concerns about positional matchups at the NBA level. Despite those concerns, his late-season surge has boosted his draft stock significantly. Analysts note that his ability to create shots for himself and others, paired with solid efficiency, makes him a dynamic contributor capable of making an immediate impact. He represents another highly rated freshman entering a draft class already rich with first-year talent, underscoring the growing influence of younger players on NBA decision-making. Ultimately, the Bucks’ pick will depend on both immediate needs and the uncertainty surrounding Antetokounmpo’s future. While Burries could provide scoring upside, the team may adjust its strategy if questions about its superstar remain unresolved.