2017 NBA Mock Draft: The best choice each team can make

In many ways, selecting Wake Forest’s John Collins would be out of character for the Milwaukee Bucks. In recent years, the franchise has grown to prioritize the ability to shoot and outlier length at nearly every position on the floor. As someone who took zero 3s this season and who possesses a 6-foot-11 wingspan, Collins checks neither of those boxes. So, why would the Bucks buck their trend and take Collins? Simple. They need a replacement for Greg Monroe.

Monroe has a player option this summer and will be an unrestricted free agent next summer. While he is a polarizing player who fits the mold of an archetype that is going out of style, he was also still incredibly valuable to the Bucks, averaging 11.7 points and 6.6 rebounds in 22.5 minutes per game off the bench. Replacing that production long-term will be critical and Collins is the type of player who could give Milwaukee a boost off the pine.

As a sophomore, the 6-foot-10 big man averaged 28.8 points and 14.4 rebounds per 40 minutes. He can score in transition, in the post and on the offensive glass. Nobody will confuse Collins for being a defensive stopper, but his output has a role in the NBA and it’s a role that the Bucks need to fill with Monroe’s likely departure looming.

Learn more about John Collins at The Step Back.