NBA Draft 2017 Prospect Watch: T.J. Leaf
By Reid Mueller
Fit With The Bucks
Drafting T.J. Leaf would be an interesting choice by the Milwaukee front office. Although expected to come off the bench to start his professional career, he’s still at a position of depth for the Bucks.
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That being said, there may not be a better situation for the UCLA freshman than the Milwaukee Bucks. Playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo would give him the best chance at finding the space needed to get his shot off.
Leaf certainly has the potential to crack a starting lineup in the league, but it’s more likely he’d spend his time in Milwaukee as the team’s back up, unless Jabari Parker continues to struggle with his health. The Bucks may be better served adding another guard to the fold.
Leaf would be a nice fit for the offensive schemes, but would be a liability chasing three-point shooters out to the line on the defensive end. He’d also have a hard time changing directions to help his teammate contest their assignment left open.
Next: NBA Draft 2017 Prospect Watch: Malik Monk
Despite the questionable need of another stretch four, Leaf is expected to be available when the Bucks draft. It’s not every year that a McDonald’s All-American is available in the second half of the draft after an impressive freshman season, and maybe the Bucks will decide to make a bold move.