2018 NBA Mock Draft: Where do Doncic, Ayton and Bagley land?

It’s impossible to peg the problem with the Bucks on any one player or systematic flaw. However, there’s clearly a crack in the foundation in Milwaukee, and a lot of it comes down to their inability to add talent that fits around Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The common refrain following the Bucks over the last few seasons has been overly simplistic: “Play Giannis at center.” First, that’s not something that will be effective for 48 minutes. Second, it isn’t possible with Milwaukee’s lack of talent on the wing. Drafting Knox would be a step in the right direction.

Many wings look the part of 3-and-D players but can’t actually make those plays. Knox, on the other hand, created frequent transition opportunities for Kentucky and made 34 percent of his 167 shots from deep. As he took control of the Wildcats on both ends alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Knox settled into a role that made sense — take analytically sound shots at the rim and from 3, play athletic defense. It’s much like the one he would have to play for the Bucks.

Tony Snell, who signed an eight-figure contract this summer, has barely made an impact in this year’s first round. On Tuesday in Boston, he shot 0-5, logged a team-worst minus-12, and played just 13 minutes. He deserves another chance, but his problems emphasize why a team can never have too many options on the wing.