"I think it's important for us to invest in development," - Milwaukee Bucks GM on bringing young players into the fold

The Bucks GM has one eye on the future.

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With exception of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the core of the Milwaukee Bucks is getting up there in age. Brook Lopez is already 35, Jrue Holiday is 33, and Khris Middleton is the youngest of the three at 31 years of age. This is why it's critical for the Bucks to bring in young players who can develop and work seamlessly with the team's current roster.

"I think it's important for us to invest in development. It's important for us to invest in youth and youth that fits. You know, we always talk about fit," Bucks general manager Jon Horst said.

Two excellent young players

The Bucks have two young players who are oozing with potential—UConn standout Andre Jackson Jr. and Kentucky stud Chris Livingston. Horst is high on both youngsters and their capability to soak in all the knowledge from the vets and eventually contribute as the season goes on.

"We think that there's an unbelievable development opportunity with him, just strength and experience and shooting, but there's also a baseline level of skill and toughness and athleticism that could translate right out of the gate," Horst said of Jackson, a 6-foot-6 forward who helped UConn win the NCAA national crown earlier this year.

"Andre's toughness, his ability to defend multiple positions, his playmaking, his handling, his speed, I think there's a role, potentially on our team right out of the gate, but there's definitely a development role for him and it's important for us to invest in that."

Man among boys

Horst added that at pick no. 58, he just couldn't pass up the chance to draft Livingston, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound forward with an NBA-ready physique.

"With Chris, at No. 58, it was an unbelievable opportunity to get a player with his talent, his pedigree at that place in the draft. I mean, you can see it, he's a man among boys at 19 years old with a frame, a physicality," Horst commented.