Regardless of sport, the draft is a crapshoot. Seemingly sure-fire prospects don't pan out and diamonds in the rough emerge. It's the most important aspect of roster building. Veteran acquisitions are, generally, meant to augment, not create a team's foundation.
Even when a franchise strikes a deal for a star who helps bring them a championship, like the Los Angeles Lakers did when they acquired Anthony Davis, they did so with a combination of draft capital and promising homegrown players, like Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball.
While the Milwaukee Bucks lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2021, struggles in the draft have hurt their ability to elevate an aging core. That has led to rampant speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo having a new NBA home soon.
As the platform Bucks Realm pointed out, none of the organization's eight selections from 2016-2024 remain with the franchise. This year, Milwaukee chose Bogoljub Markovic 47th overall. He is currently playing for Mega Basket of the Adriatic League and the Basketball League of Serbia.
Monday, they waived 2024 draft pick, Tyler Smith, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The Bucks took him 33rd overall that year. Now, they're moving on after one season with the organization.
Should the Celtics sign Tyler Smith?
While respecting the fluidity of the situation and how quickly it could change, the Boston Celtics appear like a team that will enter the season with a vacant roster spot. In a year where gaining flexibility is a priority, that's beneficial for tax savings purposes.
After signing Ron Harper Jr. last week, the team has filled all three of its two-way slots. So, if Smith comes aboard, what would make more sense is if he joins the Celtics' G League affiliate in Maine. Of course, he may have more enticing offers.
The six-foot-nine power forward turns just 21-years-old Nov. 2. In 23 games with the Bucks last season, he averaged 2.9 points and 1.1 rebounds in 5.3 minutes of floor time. Smith knocked down 43.3 percent of the 1.3 threes he hoisted.
However, to retain Andre Jackson Jr. and Amir Coffey, the Bucks parted with Smith and waived Chris Livingston, who they selected with the last pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Now seeking opportunities elsewhere, if Smith is open to proving himself in the G League, the chance to play for Phil Pressey and a proven player development infrastructure could help him land his next NBA contract.
It's a move that would give the Celtics' organization a pair of intriguing young players at power forward and center, with Smith and second-round draft pick Amari Williams. Iron sharpens iron, and that's a move that could benefit both players and the franchise they would be suiting up for.