ST. FRANCIS — No matter what the Milwaukee Bucks do with the eighth pick in Thursday's NBA draft, it is just one small step in the process the team's new front office faces going into next season.

John Hammond, the Bucks' new general manager, gets his first chance to make an imprint on an organization that won just 26 games last season.

Even Hammond is not sure what the direction the Bucks are heading right now. He said in an interview this week it remains to be determined if this is a franchise that is going to go through a wholesale rebuilding program or if it's time to just revamp the roster here and there.

"(This draft) is probably just one step," Hammond said. "We're sitting with the eighth pick, and with the eighth pick you're hoping you get a significant player, one who may be able to step on the floor and help you somewhat immediately. If not, a piece that can help you in the future very consistently."

The most bandied about names the Bucks supposedly are interested in are West Virginia forward Joe Alexander and LSU forward Anthony Randolph.

The curiosity surrounding Alexander, leaving West Virginia after his junior year, intensified this week when he made a second appearance at the Bucks' headquarters to meet with Hammond and new coach Scott Skiles.

Alexander, who is 6-foot-8, is not your typical college junior with reams of basketball experience starting in high school. However, his athleticism was impressive in a workout for the Bucks. He played his final college season for coach Bob Huggins and blossomed under his system.

Randolph, 6-10, would fit Hammond's description of a player who would be more of a help in the future rather than immediately. He played just one year at LSU before opting for the draft.

The Bucks also own the 37th overall pick in the two-round draft.

Hammond's most pressing issue may be the draft, but the long-range health of the franchise certainly involves more than that.

There are the contract issues of forward Bobby Simmons and forward-center Dan Gadzuric, both of whom command big salaries but have provided little return the past two years.

The biggest offseason talk focuses on the Bucks' current backcourt of Mo Williams and Michael Redd, both of whom are viewed as possible pieces in a future deal. Hammond also is working on extending center Andrew Bogut, whose rookie contract is up for renewal after three seasons. Those issues most likely preclude the Bucks from getting heavily involved in the upcoming free agent market because of salary cap issues.

"Something could present itself (Thursday night)," Hammond said. "Something could present itself July 1. Something could present itself when we're in training camp. …

"We will be continually looking at ways to improve the team. At this moment, the best way to do that is through trades. Free agency is not an option."

In the meantime, Hammond's focus is on the draft.

"You ask about rebuilding or revamping," he said. "We sit here and say our next piece is the eighth pick.

"Could that change? Could we move the pick and add a player? As of now, that's not the case, so we're going to the eighth pick. Let's say that plays out. That pick becomes the first piece."