Anybody who’s watched the Milwaukee Bucks knows the team needs some youth and energy. They’re one of the oldest rosters in the league and don’t have anybody outside of Giannis who can rise up and catch a lob or snag an offensive rebound over somebody. The 2023 NBA Draft is right around the corner and presents the opportunity for Milwaukee to add some youth, but the challenge is their only pick is the final one of the night. It’s rare but still possible to find value that late in the draft, and here are four players projected to be available around pick 58 who could make an impact for Milwaukee.
Jalen Slawson
Forward – 23 y/o – Furman
Closest Comparison: more athletic Kyle Anderson
6’7″ forward Jalen Slawson does it all. He spent five years at Furman university and is coming to the league with experience and a versatile skill set that make him a potential steal in the second round. He has the IQ and athleticism to see the court from day one and there are no major holes in his game. His strengths include bounce, defensive switchability/utility, passing, and unselfishness. He shot 39.4% on catch-and-shoot threes this past season, albeit on low volume, and if that shooting translates to the next level then Slawson will be a high-quality role player for a long time.
Ricky Council IV
Wing – 21 y/o – Arkansas
Closest Comparisons: Terrence Ross, bouncier Caleb Martin
If the Bucks are seeking athleticism with their pick and Slawson is not available, Ricky Council is their guy. The wing from Arkansas is a high-flier who loves to run out in transition and detonate on the rim. He’s also a smart cutter who can dart along the baseline and catch lobs. His three-ball needs a little work, but he has touch in the mid-range and he oozes confidence, so it’s reasonable to believe he can develop a reliable outside shot. If he can shoot the three and hold up on D, Council would be exactly what the Bucks are looking for.
Seth Lundy
Wing – 23 y/o – Penn State
Closest Comparison: Georges Niang
Seth Lundy’s claim to fame is his one elite skill: shooting. He’s one of the most efficient catch-and-shoot threats in the class. He doesn’t provide much else offensively, but his torch and bag of counters will make him valuable in any NBA offense. On the other end, he uses his strong frame to guard up against bigger wings and forwards. You can never have too much shooting next to Giannis, and Lundy would have the chance to shine from day one if he came to Milwaukee.
D’Moi Hodge
Guard – 24 y/o – Missouri
Closest Comparison: Jevon Carter
If you’re a fan of Jevon Carter, you’ll enjoy D’Moi Hodge. The Missouri product takes a steady diet of transition pull-up threes and wreaks havoc defensively with his knack for getting steals. He’s also an excellent shooter off the catch with a very quick and repeatable release. Hodge is old for a rookie, but what he lacks in age he makes up for in polish. His ceiling is lower than the other three guys on the list, especially because he’s a tad undersized for a two guard at 6’4”, but he would still be a solid option late in the draft.
The Bench Mob Blog 