Bucks Draft Predictions for 2012

By JBrig Bucks Fan | Posted Thursday, June 7

The Bucks didn't gain any ground during last week's pre-draft lottery. The team was hoping to move up to the top spot with a win, but the chances were slim – just .7 of a percent. Instead, the Bucks remain with the twelfth pick in the June draft, staying in the same range that they have had the past few years. Since 2009, the team has had a pair of number ten picks, straddled by a fifteenth pick in 2010.

New Orleans came away with the grand prize on Wednesday night, cashing in on a 13.7 percent chance that they would win the top pick – six-foot-ten Anthony Davis of Kentucky. Micheal Jordan's team, the Charlotte Hornets, fell to the second spot – they won just seven games in 2011 – and Washington fell to the third position. Cleveland, who had the top pick last June, fell to fourth as a result of New Orleans lucky outcome. Milwaukee's general manager, John Hammond, wasn't too disappointed, he told reporters after the lottery. Maintaining that he was forced to keep his team's meager chances in perspective, Hammond said that he is still confident that the twelfth pick will provide some good opportunities.

The general manager even found some silver lining in the New Orleans win, pointing out that it was to the Bucks benefit that the number one pick will now go to the western division. Hammond has already hit-the-ground-running in regards to possible prospects. He and a number of other Bucks staff will be in Minneapolis this weekend to view players hoping to increase their value at a league sponsored showcase. They will then travel to Chicago next week for the official pre-draft camp, where they will have the chance to interview eighteen of their most promising hopefuls.

Jared Sullinger of Ohio State, and Tyler Zeller from North Carolina have been touted as the Bucks most realistic picks in the mid-first round. Though, plenty of other talent will still be around for the taking at the time. Hammond has stated the team's most pressing issues will be adding scoring threats in the front court, as well as providing some size in the back, to balance the speed and agility of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis.