When Curtis Borchardt and Mike Dunleavy Jr. announced that they would remain in the NBA draft, the Bucks smiled? not because they would have a chance at either of those two players, but because that meant that there would be two additional players for them to choose from in the draft.  

Tom Enlund of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the Bucks have grown more enthusiastic about their number 13 pick. "I think we'll get a very good player," said Bucks general manager Ernie Grunfeld. "Not necessarily an impact player, but someone who can be a part of our rotation for a long time. Not necessarily right away, that would be tough for any rookie (to break into the rotation). But a very solid player.

"And you never know, someone might slip. There is always a surprise."

Grunfeld said the Bucks would explore all options where this year's first-round pick was concerned but that "in all likelihood" they would keep it. He said it was too early to tell how much trade activity there would be around the league as the draft approached.

"At the end of this week and early next week it'll heat up because there will be a deadline looming," he said. "That's when it'll start happening."

Players projected to be on the board when the Bucks draft include Borchardt; Nene Hilario, a burly 6-11, 260-pound forward from Brazil; Amare Stoudemire, a 6-10 forward from Cypress Creek High School in Orlando; Jared Jeffries, a 6-10 forward from Indiana; Melvin Ely, a 6-10 forward from Fresno State; and Marcus Haislip, a 6-10 forward from Tennessee.