NBA Draft 2018 Prospect Watch: Keita Bates-Diop

Fit with the Bucks

As he has been regularly projected within the range the Bucks are picking in this year’s draft, Bates-Diop stands as a player for Bucks fans to have on their radar in the lead up to June 21.

It’s entirely possible a player of Bates-Diop’s capabilities will catch the eye of Bucks officials, thanks to his versatility, his scoring proficiency and ability to fill out his skill set further on the NBA level.

We now have the added wrinkle of knowing who will be at the helm on the team’s bench as the Bucks have made the hire of Mike Budenholzer official Thursday afternoon.

However, it feels as though Bates-Diop is not the sexy name that will get Bucks fans buzzing after they get through being on the clock, considering the questions over his upside and elements of his physical makeup.

Of course, he can combat that by being an instant contributor entering his rookie season and taking account of the team’s recent history of first round selections, that would certainly go a long way in fortifying their supporting cast.

Also, between the impending restricted free agency of Jabari Parker and the Bucks’ need to stock up reserve forwards behind superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, picking up a player who can soak up minutes at the 4-spot is another circumstance to keep in mind as well.

Next: NBA Draft 2018 Prospect Watch: Jacob Evans

When assessing the positives and negatives and the fact the Bucks will be picking at 17 with their lone pick, selecting Bates-Diop is a fine, albeit unspectacular haul to come away with on draft night. With that said, a player with just a pinch more upside will likely end up wooing the Bucks in the end.