Just before the Oklahoma City Thunder selected Ousmane Dieng in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards picked Johnny Davis from the University of Wisconsin. Both players initially failed to meet expectations tied to their high draft positions. However, Dieng’s recent improvement with the Milwaukee Bucks has prompted the team to explore whether Davis might also have untapped potential worth developing.
The Bucks’ G League affiliate, Wisconsin Herd, traded to acquire guard Johnny Davis before the current season, signaling belief in his capabilities. Davis, a Wisconsin native, has shown steady performance while playing in Oshkosh, suggesting that Milwaukee could benefit from giving him further opportunities to prove himself at the NBA level.
Johnny Davis’s Early NBA Years and College Credentials
Chosen 10th overall, just one pick before Dieng, Davis’s initial NBA career with the Wizards was underwhelming. Across three seasons, he averaged 3.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game. It became clear that Davis might have benefitted from additional collegiate experience to better prepare for the professional game.
Despite this, Davis’s high draft position was based on a strong college resume. During his sophomore year at Wisconsin, he was a 2021-22 Consensus All-American guard, impressing with averages of 19.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. His gritty scoring ability, unexpected rebounding skill for his size, and defensive instincts were standout traits that remain potentially valuable at the NBA level.
Potential for a Fresh Start in Milwaukee
Ousmane Dieng’s transformation in Milwaukee, from being considered a draft disappointment in Oklahoma City to a promising young talent, shows how a change of environment can reinvigorate a player’s career. Davis might follow a similar trajectory if given the right opportunity.
With an open two-way contract slot available—unoccupied for over a month—the Bucks could take a low-risk step by signing Davis to that position. This would allow him to continue developing with the Wisconsin Herd in the G League while still gaining occasional playing time with Milwaukee’s NBA roster, enabling coaches to closely assess his growth and fit within the team.
As the Bucks look to build around Dieng’s unexpected rise, adding Davis could represent a second chance to unlock the potential of a 2022 draft pick who has yet to fully flourish at the professional level.
