Bucks’ Surprise Pick Bogoljub Markovic Earns A+ Grade from Kevin O’Connor
The Milwaukee Bucks surprised many by selecting Serbian forward Bogoljub Markovic with the 47th overall pick, but not everyone was caught off guard. Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor praised the move, giving it a glowing A+ grade.
“Marković was a first-rounder on my personal big board,” O’Connor said, calling him a steal at that stage of the draft.
While the Bucks appeared poised to take an experienced college guard—based on their extensive pre-draft workouts—they instead rolled the dice on the 19-year-old from Mega Basket. Markovic is set to join Milwaukee’s Summer League roster, aiming to make a strong impression and earn a spot on the NBA team.
One of Only Five Second-Round A+ Grades
O’Connor’s top-grade largely stems from his belief that Markovic should have gone in the first round. He also highlighted the young forward’s high upside, noting his potential fit regardless of what the future holds for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Markovic profiles as a modern stretch four with strong passing and interior scoring skills.
At 6-foot-11, Markovic boasts impressive shooting splits: 41% from three, 77% from the free-throw line, and 60% at the rim last season in the Adriatic League. However, there are rumblings that he might be stashed overseas for another year. That possibility is more likely with Milwaukee’s frontcourt depth, bolstered by re-signing Bobby Portis, adding Myles Turner, and retaining Jericho Sims.
Developmental Needs
Defense and physical development are key areas of concern. Markovic currently weighs just under 190 pounds, leaving him vulnerable to stronger NBA forwards. He’ll need to add muscle—much like Giannis did early in his career—to avoid being overpowered. Though he has some defensive potential, his limited athleticism and footwork are notable weaknesses. Comparisons have even been drawn to Brook Lopez, given his blend of size, shooting, and defensive tools—albeit in need of refinement.
Summer League will provide an early test. A positional battle with second-year forward Tyler Smith, another stretch-four candidate, will offer insights into whether Markovic is ready now or needs more seasoning overseas. O’Connor leans toward the latter.
High Ceiling, Modern Skill Set
There’s a lot to like about Markovic. He brings a rare combination of size, shooting, and feel for the game—traits the Bucks could use. As Milwaukee looks to maximize its roster around Giannis, getting real value from a second-rounder could be crucial.
O’Connor sees him as one of the hidden gems in this year’s draft. Now, it’s up to the Bucks to develop Markovic—something the franchise hasn’t consistently done with draft picks in recent years.
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