NBA Draft 2018 Prospect Watch: Dzanan Musa

Fit with the Bucks

Although it’s tough to know exactly what fitting in with the Bucks will mean until a new coach is put in place, we can certainly consider where Musa would fit in to a roster built around Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Musa’s style requires a high usage rate and room to be aggressive in his time on the floor, which wouldn’t make him a seamless pairing alongside Giannis. In saying that, it certainly doesn’t make the Bosnian native a poor fit coming off the bench.

In moments when Antetokounmpo or even Khris Middleton have gone to the bench for some rest, it’s been a common feature to see Milwaukee’s offense crumble without any semblance of a plan or a leading option. A player like Musa would be ideal in filling that role.

Musa’s approach and skill-set would make it difficult for him to become a starter on a good NBA team, but he may well be tailor-made to take on the role of a Sixth Man capable of carrying a bench unit offensively while a team’s primary options get some rest.

Musa’s confidence, quick trigger, and speed in driving to the rim could pave the way for him to take up a Jamal Crawford/Lou Williams-esque role if he can carry his stellar play in Europe over to the NBA.

The key to unlocking anything beyond that would come down to Musa becoming a better decision-maker, more willing passer or more capable defender under the guidance of an NBA development staff.

All of that remains in play too, as Musa has a track record of playing well against professional competition in one of the more reputable leagues in Europe while still being incredibly young. Musa only turned 19 on May 8.

Next: NBA Draft 2018 Prospect Watch: Robert Williams

As it stands, he boasts impressive scoring credentials and would certainly offer the Bucks a welcome boost, and an offensive leader of sorts off the bench. He’s likely to be available around the 17th spot, but any meaningful interest in Musa from the Bucks may hinge on their intentions for Jabari Parker‘s free agency.