Trinidad’s Malique Lewis Makes History with Milwaukee Bucks’ Final NBA Draft Pick

In a historic milestone for Trinidad and Tobago, 21-year-old Malique Lewis has been chosen by the Milwaukee Bucks with the final pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. This makes Lewis one of the few athletes from the Caribbean nation to be drafted into the NBA, underlining the growing influence of Caribbean players in professional basketball.

The Bucks obtained the final draft pick through a strategic three-team trade involving the Washington Wizards and the Orlando Magic. Lewis, standing at 6-foot-8, has honed his skills over the past two seasons with the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Australia’s National Basketball League, one of the top developmental leagues globally.

During his time in the Australian league, Lewis showed remarkable improvement, averaging 7.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. His significant progress as a perimeter shooter caught the attention of NBA scouts. The Bucks’ selection of Lewis reflects their growing interest in Australia’s NBL as a talent hunt ground.

Lewis’ success serves as a beacon of hope for young athletes in Trinidad and Tobago, where basketball’s popularity is on the rise. Lewis’ journey to the NBA, characterized by persistence and constant growth, proves that with dedication and hard work, local talents can indeed make it to the world’s most elite basketball stage.

Although being the final pick in the draft often presents challenges, many NBA players have carved out successful careers after being chosen late. Lewis now has the chance to show his mettle in Milwaukee’s system as he battles for a roster spot, marking the beginning of his exciting NBA journey.