What’s different about Giannis Antetokounmpo situation this offseason?
What’s different about the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation this offseason? Jim Owczarski discusses next moves for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Milwaukee Bucks chose international big man Bogoljub Marković 47th in the 2025 NBA draft on June 26.
After the Bucks selected the 6-11 big man who played for Mega Basket, ESPN speculated that he could be a draft-and-stash candidate this upcoming season. Still, there seemed to be optimism regarding Marković’s upside.
Here’s how media outlets are grading Milwaukee’s draft pick so far.
“Marković was a first-rounder on my personal big board, so I consider him a steal at this point of the draft. And he makes sense for the Bucks, regardless of what happens with Giannis Antetokounmpo since he’s a high upside stretch forward who also offers skill as a passer and post scorer. But to handle the rigors of the NBA and become a positive defender, Marković needs to add a ton of muscle, so he’d benefit from being draft-and-stashed for another year.”
Grade: A+
“Markovic finished as the No. 50 overall player in the CBS Sports prospect rankings so this is right in line with where I suspected he would and should go. He profiles as a face-up big and is brimming with skill as an offensive weapon, though he lacks the overall two-way polish to project as anything more than a developmental asset right now as he continues to grow into his frame.”
Grade: B-
“Markovic is an interesting prospect, standing over 6-10 with several perimeter skills, including his shooting ability. Markovic is expected to be stashed away for a season in Serbia, but this is a pick that could prove to be fruitful years down the line.”
Grade: C+
“Serbia’s Bogoljub Marković won ABA League Top Prospect last season, which is an award previously won by Nikola Jokić, as well as Goga Bitadze and Nikola Topić. Marković had a great season playing for Mega Basket, averaging 13.9 points with 6.9 rebounds per game while shooting 38.8 percent on 3-pointers. He is a likely draft-and-stash candidate who will use more time playing overseas to continue his development.”
Grade: A
“No prospect the Bucks could have drafted at the 47th pick was going to alter Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee. Markovic scored efficiently in his first full season in the Adriatic League, shooting 61% on 2s and 37% on 3s, though low steal and block rates raise defensive questions.”
Grade: B