Milwaukee Bucks rookie Brayden Burries was voted the biggest steal of the 2026 NBA draft in the annual general manager survey released on Thursday.
Thirty executives answered 48 questions, including three about the incoming rookie class. They voted on several categories, from Most Valuable Player to Sixth Man of the Year, and couldn't choose their own players or team personnel in the survey.
While the 10th overall pick received the most responses, Toronto Raptors forward Allen Graves, Philadelphia 76ers guard Labaron Philon Jr. and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas were also among the lead vote-getters in the 25th annual survey.
Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the Draft?
1. Brayden Burries (10), Milwaukee – 30%T-2.
Allen Graves (19), Toronto – 10%T-2. Labaron Philon (22), Philadelphia – 10%T-2. Meleek Thomas (34), Cleveland – 10%T-5. Cameron Boozer (3), Memphis – 7%T-5. Cameron Carr (24), L.A. Lakers – 7%T-5. Chris Cenac (27), Boston – 7%T-5. Yaxel Lendeborg (11), Golden State – 7%T-5. Caleb Wilson (4), Chicago – 7%» Also receiving votes: Nate Ament (13), Milwaukee; Mikel Brown Jr. (6), Brooklyn» Last year: Kasparas Jakučionis – 17%
Burries was a first-team All-Big 12 selection last season at Arizona, averaging 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals in 39 games. He was also named to the Big 12 All-Freshman team after helping the Wildcats reach the Final Four for the first time since 2001.
The 21-year-old is averaging 14 points, four rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.7 steals while shooting 37.1% from the field in three preseason games with the Bucks. He is tied for second on the team in scoring with one game to play, having finished in double figures twice.
Burries enters next season as a foundational piece for the Bucks after the departure of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The team was ecstatic to draft him and is eager to watch his upcoming rookie campaign.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Bucks rookie Brayden Burries praised as biggest draft steal by NBA GMs
