2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 22: College basketball is over

The Milwaukee Bucks have shown a willingness to take a risk on draft prospects and they are also in a position where they still need to develop some of their talent in order to break into contention in the Eastern Conference. That means taking a shot on Rodions Kurucs is an option for the Bucks.

Kurucs is a 6-foot-8 wing from Latvia who has shown off his scoring ability in international competitions and playing for Barcelona’s second team. In just over 20 minutes per contest, Kurucs is averaging 9.1 points on a 55.6 true shooting percentage. Nearly half of his field goal attempts come from behind the 3-point arc, but he’s connected on just 31.4 percent of his triples this season. There is room for improvement there. Kurucs is better attacking off the dribble where he can use his quick first step and long strides to get to the rim quickly. He’s been much more efficient inside the arc where he’s hit 56.7 percent of his chances.

Defensively, the 19-year old has the size to be effective and he’s even used that a bit as a rim protector this season.

Kurucs will make for a likely draft-and-stash candidate who can improve overseas before fitting into Milwaukee’s timeline long-term.