The Mike Budenholzer era has begun with the Milwaukee Bucks and, of course, the franchise is building around a franchise player in Giannis Antetokounmpo. That is, by all accounts, a very nice start but the Bucks have some strides to make with the rest of the roster and, as a result of some questionable free agent contracts in the past, Milwaukee’s flexibility isn’t optimal at the moment.
With that as the backdrop, the Bucks have a big summer ahead, especially through the prism of the No. 17 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. It could certainly be argued that Milwaukee’s biggest decision does not include the draft, given the looming restricted free agency of Jabari Parker. However, that is a choice that could be dictated largely by Parker’s market around the league, while Milwaukee’s ability to select the right player at No. 17 rests firmly on their own shoulders.
Every year, there seems to be a star-level player snatched in the middle of the first round and that could, in theory, be the case again for the Bucks in 2018. Still, a more rational expectation would be a rotation-worthy piece to add to an already strong core and, to that end, here are a few players that might make sense when the Bucks come on the clock on June 21.
- Aaron Holiday – PG, UCLA – Eric Bledsoe really struggled in the playoffs and, even if the Bucks are still married to him, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to invest at the point guard position. Still, Holiday might be the only player worthy of the No. 17 pick unless, of course, Shea Gilgeous-Alexander happens to take an unexpected tumble. Holiday is a fun, solid piece, though, and would fit nicely.
- Kevin Knox – SF/PF, Kentucky – This is the most unrealistic of the quintet included here but Knox seems to have some uneasiness in scouting circles. In the event that Parker walks away, Knox would make even more sense. If not, he would be a “best available player” choice.
- Mitchell Robinson – C, High School – Center is a huge problem area and the Bucks could bet on talent with Robinson. He was widely projected as a lottery pick before a weird ride kept him off the floor this season. There is a reason for that. He’s a potential monster, even if there is considerable risk.
- Zhaire Smith – SG/SF, Texas Tech – Smith is the polar opposite of Robinson from a pedigree standpoint. In fact, he was completely off the radar a year ago before exploding during his maiden voyage in Lubbock. His measurements at the combine (6’4 in shoes) will keep him around this range but Smith is an athletic freak that would go along with what Milwaukee has prioritized in the recent past.
- Robert Williams – C/PF, Texas A&M – As noted above, the Bucks could really use an infusion of talent at the center spot. Thon Maker might work out, after all, but Williams would be a nice complement and, potentially, the starter of the future in the middle. There are some motor concerns but, when he’s rocking, Williams looks the part of a lottery pick that might be available at No. 17 overall.
