2018 NBA Draft - Brew Hoop Staff Predictions

Welcome back to the Brew Hoop Round Table, where we ask that everybody use coasters and please don’t feed the pugs from the table, thanks. Today, we ask a simple question: Who do you want Milwaukee to snag at their 17th selection?

It’s Draft Day folks! Who do you want to see in a Bucks uniform next year?

Kyle: I really want someone that can come in and be able to get solid minutes. I know we want to get shooters for Giannis, but unless Trae Young is free falling in the draft, the combination of Middleton, Snell, Brogdon, Thon, Brown, Delly and possibly Jabari, Milwaukee has enough shooters on the roster. I really want someone that can come in and give you solid minutes which is something Milwaukee has serverely lacked from its first round picks in the last four years.

I would want Keita Bates-Diop as he seems to be a do everything forward. He is quick enough to get players and get to the rim, and has the size to play inside while also having a good jump shot in his arsenal. His hustle and athleticism well be a nice bonus and he can play the three or the four. KBD won’t be an all-star player, but with drafting at 17, he can be a starter for this team for the long term

Mitchell: My wish list is extremely simple: I want a guard who can shoot. Ideally, I would get more than one guard who can shoot. I would accept a wing who can shoot, but whoever they are, they must be able to shoot.

Ballhandling and playmaking abilities are nice, as is size and defensive versatility and wingspan and everything else, but when Giannis Antetokounmpo is a destroyer of worlds before his prime, weaponizing him is the highest priority. Surrounding Giannis with a bevy of shooters is the best path to reaching that goal.

Trae Young can shoot; if he drops in the draft (say, to 11 or 12), Jon Horst needs to be on the phone. Elie Okobo can shoot. Kevin Huerter can shoot. There are a few other guys who can shoot, and as long as they can, I’ll be happy to see them in a Bucks uni in 2018-19.

Greg: My personal bar is so, so low that I just want to see the newest player in a Bucks uniform. Like, actually seeing them in uniform, out on the court, and playing competently.

Now as to who can clear my low hurdle? I am inclined for a more seasoned player like a Donte DiVincenzo, Robert Williams, or the aforementioned Bates-Diop and Heurter. Aside from Williams, I think the Bucks should trade down to land either of the other three since they are all mocked into the 20s.

I do think there are some one-and-done’s that if they were to fall can provide some minutes off the bench. I feel like Zhaire Smith fits the bill, as well as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Unfortunately one of them will have to fall to the Bucks as they are both mocked as late-lottery/no lower than 16.

Adam: I’m with Greg on trading down a few slots since the latter half of this draft seems like a morass of players with equal chance to fizzle or flash. However, I’m tantalized by Zhaire Smith and feel comfortable saying he could be available given ESPN now has him mocked at 19 to the Hawks. Yes, his shooting is suspect and lord knows Milwaukee doesn’t need less shooting, but I think Milwaukee could also use a jolt of athleticism I don’t see from anyone on the roster sans Giannis. Smith’s versatility defensively seems ideal for the league and his ability to crash the boards would be a worthy welcome.

If not Smith, I’m down with Okobo. Even though Milwaukee assuredly needs to improve to convince Giannis to stay, the draft remains their best opportunity to add talent to this roster. Milwaukee isn’t in any position to feel content taking a fit guy. I still think it’s time to swing for the fences and trust in Bud’s development process.

That’s all for our woefully uninformed opinions! Tell us who you want to see Milwaukee take in the comments below.