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NBA Draft 2018: 5 targets for the Milwaukee Bucks

By Rucker Haringey

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 26: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks warms up before Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at the Bradley Center on April 26, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Giannis Antetokounmpo
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 26: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks warms up before Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at the Bradley Center on April 26, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Giannis Antetokounmpo /
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The Milwaukee Bucks will do everything they can to build a quality team around Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer. Their first round pick will be crucial.

In some ways, Milwaukee Bucks GM Jon Horst has one of the simplest jobs in the NBA. Every transaction he makes should be designed to build a team around the unique talent that is Giannis Antetokounmpo. The team’s first round draft pick will certainly be made with the Greek Freak in mind.

The Bucks’ roster has several potential holes that can be filled with the team’s No. 17 selection. Ideally, the team could walk away with a new starting center with the selection. The three-headed monster of John Henson, Tyler Zeller and Thon Maker didn’t provide quality production last season. The team would like to find a long-term answer at the position.

If a quality center isn’t available at No. 17, look for the Bucks to try to add some more shooting to their offense. Giannis is a special talent, but his 3-point shot hasn’t come along quite like the team hoped. That requires Milwaukee to put snipers around him as frequently as possible.

The major uncertainty facing the Bucks’ front office heading into the draft is whether or not Jabari Parker can be counted on in the future. He could easily leave the team via free agency this summer. Even if the Bucks re-sign him, his checkered injury history makes it difficult to count on him for a full season. Finding a power forward who can stretch the floor and provide better defense than Paker would also be very attractive to the Bucks in the draft.

Giannis, Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton give new coach Mike Budenholzer an excellent nucleus to build on. The Bucks will target these five players as possible additions to push this team deeper into the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

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