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Milwaukee Bucks: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

By Josh Cornelissen

Apr 8, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) calls for the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) calls for the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (C) – No. 1 pick in 1969 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Bucks):  467 GP, 30.4 PPG, 15.3 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 3.4 BPG, 54.7 FG%, 69.5 FT%

When the Milwaukee Bucks first entered the league, they were obviously light on talent. This resulted in a porous first season and the right to pick first in the 1969 NBA Draft — thanks to winning a coin flip against the Phoenix Suns. The yield of that fateful coin flip was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then named Lew Alcindor, who went on to become not only the best player in Milwaukee history but perhaps in NBA history as well.

Abdul-Jabbar had one of the best rookie seasons in NBA history, putting up a higher win shares total (13.8) than any non-Jabbar Buck ever would in a single season. After improving their win total by 29 games, Abdul-Jabbar led the Bucks went to the Eastern Conference Finals before losing. Next season another 10 wins and an NBA title came Milwaukee’s way.

Not only was the 1971 title the only one in franchise history, it was the fastest title for an expansion team across North American sports, as the Bucks won at the conclusion of just their third season in existence. Milwaukee swept the Washington Bullets to claim the crown.

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    • Kareem was an absolute monster down low, scoring with a variety of moves including his patented “Sky Hook” that was nigh un-blockable. While his career as a whole is a picture of longevity, in Milwaukee Kareem was young and filled with energy. He put up over 30 points per game for his entire Bucks career to go along with 15.3 rebounds per game.

    In the era of accolades, no player in the history of the league is so weighed down by accomplishments. Kareem made the All-Star Game for a mind-numbing 18 years, 15 of which he paired with All-NBA accolades. Six of times he went wearing Bucks colors — each of the six seasons he spent in Milwaukee.

    While with the Bucks, Kareem won three of his six MVP awards, and six straight All-Defense acknowledgments. Despite playing fewer seasons and games with the Bucks than anyone else on this list (sans active players), his value was tremendous, making the Bucks a true contender.

    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the current leader for points scored over the course of a career, and even with increased longevity it seems unlikely he will be overtaken anytime soon. His tremendous career began in Milwaukee, and he is currently the only Bucks great originally drafted by the team to reach the Hall of Fame. His impact in and out of Milwaukee is incredible and worth recognizing.

    Next: Los Angeles Lakers - Top 10 NBA Draft picks of all time

    His place at the top of this list is unquestionable. He is the greatest Milwaukee Buck draft pick of all time.

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