Looking back at previous NBA drafts, it’s astonishing to see the immense talent that emerges from the 60 picks spread across two rounds. Players are selected based on a variety of factors including their college performance, potential, and the buzz surrounding them. When the Milwaukee Bucks decided to pick Giannis Antetokounmpo with the 15th overall selection in the 2013 draft, they undoubtedly made a shrewd investment.

However, in hindsight, it’s intriguing to contemplate what could have been if the Bucks had made different choices. Particularly, the possibility of drafting both Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo is a tantalizing prospect.

Joel Embiid, selected as the third overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the same draft year as Giannis, was widely regarded as one of the top prospects. Despite facing persistent challenges due to injuries and doubts about his capabilities, Embiid has proven his critics wrong time and again, emerging as one of the premier talents in the league.

Fast forward to the present season, and it’s evident that one of these three players—Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, or Joel Embiid—is destined to stand out as the MVP. However, what many may not realize is that with different drafting decisions, the Milwaukee Bucks could have potentially boasted a lineup featuring all three of these exceptional talents.

Granted, assembling a roster with three dominant big men would present its challenges. It’s unlikely that the Bucks would have chosen to draft three players of similar positions in consecutive drafts, especially considering the need for balance and versatility in modern basketball. However, it’s fascinating to entertain the notion of a Bucks team built around the formidable combination of Jokic and Embiid in the frontcourt, with Giannis Antetokounmpo serving as the dynamic two-way forward.

Despite the hindsight perspective, it’s essential to acknowledge that drafting decisions are made based on numerous factors, including scouting assessments, team needs, and future potential. While the Bucks may have passed up on the opportunity to pair Giannis with Jokic and Embiid, their decision-making process was undoubtedly influenced by various considerations aimed at building a competitive and cohesive roster.

In the end, the tantalizing “what-if” scenarios serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NBA draft and the enduring fascination with imagining alternate realities in the world of sports.