Yesterday was a life-changing moment for former Tennessee Vol Nate Ament, who became the first Tennessee lottery pick in over 30 years. Ament, who was considered one of the highest-upside players in this year’s draft, did fall slightly to No. 13, where he was selected by the Bucks. Ultimately, he now has a chance to come into Milwaukee and develop into a potential All-Star.
The Bucks pick comes with draft grades that are underrating Nate Ament’s upside
However, since yesterday he was technically drafted by the Miami Heat, as the new league year has not yet started, it created an awkward moment. Ament had to put on a Heat hat since the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade has not technically been completed yet.
This is probably one of the worst rules in sports. We have seen famous pictures of future NBA stars wearing weird hats because of this, and it’s completely terrible. Kobe has a famous picture of him in a Hornets hat, and Luka Doncic has a picture of him in an Atlanta Hawks hat. It’s just silly that the NBA does this. It’s something that has happened forever, and nobody likes it.
Plus, it just creates uncomfortable moments without really helping anyone. The positive is that Ament can still meet with the Bucks and handle media obligations, but when he stepped on stage with Adam Silver for a once-in-a-lifetime moment, he had to wear a different hat, which is unfortunate.
Ament was able to go to Milwaukee and meet up with No 10 overall pick Brayden Burries from Arizona.
Young Bucks. pic.twitter.com/ATwdtLwm1n
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) June 24, 2026
Nate Ament is a good fit for the Bucks
I really like the fit in Milwaukee for Ament because he isn’t going somewhere where he’s expected to be a star right away. Since the Bucks have shifted into a rebuild, it gives them an opportunity to develop young talent patiently. If Ament has to spend some time in the G League or isn’t an instant producer, that’s okay. Milwaukee isn’t in a rush for him to become a star immediately, as he can develop at his own pace and continue to get better.
Tennessee also has the potential for two more draft selections tonight, with point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie and center Felix Okpara both expected to be second-round picks.
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