NBA Draft 2017: 5 targets for the Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks own the No. 17 pick in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft. Who should they be targeting with their selection?

Milwaukee exceeded expectations during the 2016-2017 season, and earned a selection outside of the lottery as a result of their success. Their future looks extremely bright with their young core of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jabari Parker, Khris Middleton, Thon Maker, and Malcolm Brogdon. If they hit on their picks this year (Bucks also own selection No. 48) it could go a ways towards making a rising young franchise even more formidable.

The Bucks don’t have any major holes in their roster. They could choose anyone who fits their profile as a player: long and athletic. Building their team this way enables Milwaukee to play defense differently than the rest of the league. Jason Kidd will want new players to fit this mold; GM John Hammond leaving won’t change the Bucks team identity. Milwaukee Bucks, green and growing.

Here’s a look at the five strongest fits for the Bucks in this coming draft:

5. Terrance Ferguson, Adelaide 36ers

Born in Oklahoma and raised in Dallas, Terrance Ferguson became a five-star recruit in the class of 2016 and committed to Arizona. He made waves when he opted to sign with the Adelaide 36ers of the Australian National Basketball League instead. While Ferguson only averaged 15.2 minutes per game for the 36ers, his draft stock has remained relatively steady. His potential as a wing player remains obvious, and it should get him selected in the first round.

At 6-foot-7, Ferguson has good size for a wing player. He is also explosive, as evidenced by this video of him throwing down a windmill dunk from the free throw line in high school. His athleticism should allow for him to become a good defender and rebounder as he matures. And while Ferguson struggles to create his own looks at times, he excels as a spot-up shooter. While he may be raw, he should become a Terrence Ross like player in the league, potentially more.

Ferguson’s potential role with the Bucks mirrors that of Tony Snell’s. Snell, a pending restricted free agent, who earned a starting wing position for the Bucks last year. His role on the Bucks was to guard the top wing on the opposing team and spot up for 3s on offense. Snell played his role, shooting 40.6 percent from on 3-pointers and bringing energy to the floor. Ideally, he would be back on a short term deal while Ferguson is developed to take his place. No matter what happens in free agency though, Ferguson would fit in well with Milwaukee.