Saturday, June 20, 2015

2015 Draft Preview: Milwaukee Bucks

2015-16 Depth Chart
PG: Michael Carter-Williams/Tyler Ennis/Jorge Gutierrez 
SG: O.J. Mayo/Jerryd Bayless
SF: Giannis Antetokounmpo/Damien Ingles
PF: Jabari Parker/Johnny O'Bryant III
C: Zaza Pachulia/John Henson/Miles Plumlee

2015 Free Agents
G/F Khris Middleton (RFA)
F Jared Dudley (early termination option)

2015 Draft Picks
1-17
2-16(46)

Team Needs
Provided Khris Middleton is re-signed, which you can assume the Bucks would do at basically whatever cost, the the Bucks starting lineup is essentially set, barring the unexpected acquisition of an above-average center. In that case, the Buck should be drafting for both depth and upside, particularly in the frontcourt where the trade of Ersan Ilyasova has left them a little shallow. This could become an even bigger issue if Jabari Parker and/or Giannis Antetokounmpo struggle to defend power forwards. I could also see Milwaukee looking at one of the top point guards if they are available because while they just traded for Michael Carter-Williams, he hasn't really improved much as a player and might not be the future at the position. 

Potential Fits
The Bucks love long athletes with positional versatility and there are three that should be around when they pick: UCLA's Kevon Looney, UNLV's Christian Wood and Montrezl Harrell of Louisville. Wood is intruiging, but is similar in a lot of ways to John Henson, albiet with a better jumper. Harrell is the least offensive skilled, but has the most NBA-ready body and game but I think Looney, if available would be the pick because he is the sweet spot of upside and ready to contribute skills a team like the Bucks would like as the balance building for the future with a chance to keep making the playoffs. After that, Harrell has the best chance of success but Wood much more upside. Of the point guards, I think Jerian Grant is the one that would intruige them the most because he has the size to play multiple spots. Georgia State shooting guard R.J. Hunter is an interesting option if O.J. Mayo is traded or Khris Middleton gets offered more than Milwaukee is comfortable with matching. 

Mock Draft
17. Christian Wood, F/C, UNLV
46. Andrew Harrison, G, Kentucky

Follow me on Twitter @double_tech

No comments:

Post a Comment