Full Breakdown
Nate Ament’s Draft Selection Signals a New Era for the Milwaukee Bucks
6/27/2026, 1:25:36 AM
Draft Selection and Immediate Context
On June 26, 2026 the Bucks used the 13th overall pick—acquired in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade—to select Tennessee forward Nate Ament, following the 10th-overall pick of guard Brayden Burries. It was franchise’s draft move after the Giannis trade.
Player Profile and Statistics
Ament, a 6-foot-10, 211-lb forward, averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 35 games (29 min) for Tennessee. He shot 39.9 %, 33.3 % from three and took 7.5 free-throw attempts per game. ESPN’s mock placed him at No. 9; the Bucks chose him at No. 13.
Organizational Outlook
GM Jon Horst called Ament a fit, emphasizing competitiveness, character and basketball IQ. Coach Taylor Jenkins called the rookies “A+ human beings” with room to grow. Ament said he is excited to learn and noted the staff reviews his “five worst plays.” ESPN’s Ben Golliver warned Ament must add strength, improve scoring efficiency before becoming a contributor.
Reception and Critique
Analysts noted Ament’s stock fell from a projected top-five to the mid-teens, sparking mixed fan reactions. ESPN’s Bobby Marks said Ament “played hurt at the end of the season,” raising durability concerns. Bucks first-round picks MarJon Beauchamp and A.J. Johnson saw limited minutes, increasing pressure on Ament to develop.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Excited to get to learn the process. I think what I can bring to the team is just competitive spirit, being a younger player, that youthful energy. Also, just the coachability.” — Nate Ament, rookie
- “What I love most about coach is, when I sat down for my interview, he had a lowlight tape of my five worst plays in college,” — Nate Ament
Unresolved Issues
ESPN’s mock placed Ament at No. 9, but Milwaukee chose him at No. 13, showing divergent views. Reports differ on his injury—some cite a late-season ankle issue, others only note he “played hurt,” leaving his condition unclear. A few sources say the Giannis trade remains unofficial, adding uncertainty to the asset return.
Future Outlook
The Bucks will slot Ament into a defensive-forward role, using his length while he adds muscle and refines his three-point shot. Film sessions, including the “low-light” reviews he mentioned, will continue under Jenkins. The team expects a development curve, hoping Ament contributes by the 2028-29 season as the franchise rebuilds.
