Jun 24, 2026 3:13 AM

The Milwaukee Bucks selected Nate Ament with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The Milwaukee Bucks made a blockbuster move and traded former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in exchange for multiple players and three first-round picks. One of those picks was the 13th overall pick. 

After selecting Brayden Burries with the 10th overall pick, the Bucks selected forward Nate Ament from Tennessee at No. 13. Milwaukee is putting together a young core as they prepare for seasons without Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

Nate Ament is a player who is an example of what NBA executives look for in a modern NBA forward. Ament is a 6'10 forward who has a very versatile play style. Ament was a player who could do nearly everything for the Volunteers and spent the whole season projected as a lottery pick. 

Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesBrianna Paciorka/News Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In his lone season at Tennessee, Nate Ament averaged 16.7 points per game, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. While he had some efficiency issues, it is also important to point out that he was the focal point of the team, and now he's entering a situation where Milwaukee can wait for him to be a polished NBA player. 

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How Can Ament Develop in Milwaukee?

Nate Ament has all the tools to become a good NBA player, and with the Bucks beginning a new rebuilding phase, Ament will develop alongside younger teammates for seasons to come. 

While he had efficiency issues, he is a player who can lead the way with his scoring. He had multiple 29-point games as a freshman, and that's the kind of player the Bucks will want to see in the pros. 

Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesBrianna Paciorka/News Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The frontcourt becomes an interesting part of the roster now that both Kel'el Ware and Ament are on the roster. These are two players who have the upside to become elite forwards in the NBA, and with their youth, the Bucks could be a tough team to beat in the interior. 

These are two players who complement each other well, as Ament has a lot of scoring upside while Ware can do it all inside with his athleticism and IQ. 

Brayden Burries was drafted earlier in the draft at 10th overall, and he will develop with Ament as they enter the league together. This could be a tandem to watch for in the future as they could see the floor together for years to come. 

The Bucks have now used up their two first-round selections following the Giannis trade, and they have fully immersed themselves in the rebuild. 

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