Over a decade after drafting Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks’ mistakes regarding their utilization of top draft picks have finally been noticed.
Although the Bucks are not considered a large market team, the organization achieved its ultimate goal by winning the 2021 NBA championship while being led by Antetokounmpo. Since then, the team has not seen much success in the postseason and is not even close to contending for a title.
Every contender across the league usually has a blueprint or game plan to develop their roster and starting lineup. While one might assume that the Bucks have something similar in place, a recent viral draft stat suggests otherwise.
Why Have the Bucks Not Retained Any Draft Picks Besides Giannis Antetokounmpo?
While the Bucks may not have been able to win a championship over the past few years, there is no denying that Antetokounmpo is an unstoppable force and is viewed by many as one of the most dominant players in the league.
Although the Bucks have done everything they can to ensure that Antetokounmpo remains with them, a recent report revealed that the team has not offered an extension to any of its top picks over the decade.
Unlike the Celtics, who drafted Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to turn them into franchise cornerstones, the Bucks have failed to retain a single top pick for over 10 years. Upon hearing this, fans took to social media to criticize the organization.
One fan wrote: “This is egregious and is the entire reason why they’re in the position they are. It is beyond vital to hit on your picks, particularly in the second round, if you want to stick around as a contender.”
This is egregious and is the entire reason why they’re in the position they are. It is beyond vital to hit on your picks, particularly in the second round, if you want to stick around as a contender.
— Nic Thomas | NBA & NBA Draft (@NicThomasNBA) October 19, 2025
Some fans mocked the Bucks’ organization for providing many members of the Antetokounmpo family with roster spots but struggling to retain any “real” talent. “They need to save spots and money for other Antetokounmpos,” one fan wrote.
They need to save spots and money for other Antetokounmpos
— pawellwitt (@pawellwitt) October 19, 2025
Upon hearing this report, many even wondered if the Bucks’ initial decision to draft Antetokounmpo was just one big happy mistake: “Im starting to think Giannis wasnt properly scouted and was just a really lucky pick lol, there draft room is horrific.”
Im starting to think Giannis wasnt properly scouted and was just a really lucky pick lol, there draft room is horrific
— TheHardwoodHQ (@TheHardwoodHQ) October 19, 2025
Fans ended up praising Antetokounmpo for keeping the franchise relevant and in contention for a spot in the playoffs: “Giannis really carrying the whole franchise so hard they forgot how to develop anyone else.”
Giannis really carrying the whole franchise so hard they forgot how to develop anyone else
— Mike (@DonMike_X) October 19, 2025
The fact that the Bucks initially drafted stars such as Malcolm Brogdon and Donte DiVincezo, only to let them leave after their rookie contracts expired, has greatly frustrated fans.
In any case, this report does not do much to reassure the Bucks’ fanbase that Antetokounmpo will remain with the team. If the Bucks star leaves in the near future, it will be difficult to blame him, given the Bucks’ poor management of their draft assets over the past decade.
