On day 16 of NBA Draftmas, the Milwaukee Bucks’ draft needs and targets will be analyzed.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Photo by: NBA.com)
The Bucks made a big step for a young team and qualified for the 2017 NBA Playoffs. They ended up getting the sixth seed and took the Raptors to six games. This was an impressive showing for the Bucks, as they had to deal with a lot of injuries this season, most notably Jabari Parker, who tore his ACL and missed the latter part of the season. Khris Middleton was injured for the first part of the season and came on strong when he came back healthy. Staying healthy is a huge key for Milwaukee going forward.
Milwaukee ranks 20th in points per game, but they are the 10th best defense in the NBA. The Bucks did have the 10th best three point shooting team in the league and could see improvements if Middleton and Parker stay healthy.
The most encouraging thing for the Bucks is the continual progression of their young players. Giannis Antetokounmpo has blossomed into a star who averaged 23.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. Putting him alongside a healthy Jabari Parker, who averaged 20.1 points per game this season, makes the Bucks a dangerous team in the next few seasons. Another intriguing player is Thon Maker. Maker didn’t play too impressively during the regular season, but showed some real flashes of development during the playoffs. Malcolm Brogden also surprised with a good rookie year. The improvement of these players are what the franchise will be built on.
The Bucks will hope to add some key pieces to their strong young core in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Milwaukee has one pick in each round of the 2017 NBA Draft.
First Round: No. 17
Second Round: No. 48
A big need for the Bucks is someone who can rebound. They ranked second last in the NBA in rebounds per game and can benefit from selecting a player who can go get the ball. Antetokounmpo led the team in rebounds last season and will need some more help.
The Bucks may also want to consider going after a true point guard. Antetokounmpo and others have played the position, but Matthew Dellavadova is the only true point guard that got significant minutes last season and that needs to change.
Pick #17: T.J. Leaf, PF, UCLA
T.J. Leaf (Photo by: latimes.com)
While the Bucks have a lot of players that transcend a traditional position, they need a player who knows his role and position very clearly. That player is T.J. Leaf. He may have been forgotten about with Lonzo Ball on the same team at UCLA, but Leaf is an intriguing prospect himself.
Leaf put up 21.7 points and 11 rebounds per 40 minutes last season. His offensive rebounding in the regular season matchup against Kentucky was a huge boost to get the Bruins the win. He will come in and rebound from day one, but also has a nice offensive skill set. His post moves are good for his age and he can stretch his range out to the three point line as he shot 46.6% from deep.
At pick 17, Leaf would provide tremendous value because he could start his career from the bench and be a high energy rebounder. If he develops he could become a starter, but if not he will at least be able to rebound and stretch a defense as a substitute for years to come.
Pick #48: Edmond Sumner, PG, Xavier
Edmond Sumner (Photo by: si.com)
Sumner tore his ACL last season, which effectively ended his college career. He will be rehabbing to get back on the hardwood, but if healthy, he has the potential to improve and become a solid player.
He fits the mold of what the Bucks like: an athletic, tall player for his position. Sumner is a 6’5″ point guard who excels at driving to the basket. He has good quickness for his size and lanky arms, which are tools he could use to become a good defender at the NBA level.
As with any player taken in the second round, Sumner has some weaknesses. He does have a history of injuries that need to be checked out, including that ACL tear. Sumner also isn’t very proficient shooting from deep. His three point shooting percentage was an abysmal 28% for his career.
Sumner provides a high risk-high reward option for a team who takes him, but that will be welcomed in the second round of the NBA Draft, as second round picks rarely work out.
The Bucks need to use this draft to get some support for their young players. Players that they select in this draft won’t likely change a franchise, but can be role players for some very good Bucks teams in the next couple of years. Selecting a true point guard, even if it is just a back up, and a rebounder will help this team a lot heading into the next season.
Thanks for checking out the Milwaukee Bucks 2017 NBA Draft profile and tune in tomorrow for day 17 of NBA Draftmas to see what the Indiana Pacers are going to do.
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