NBA Draft 2018 Prospect Watch: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Fit with the Bucks

Gilgeous-Alexander certainly fits the mold of what the Bucks were looking for in the draft in recent years, but there are plenty of reasons for why that formula should have changed.

Length is never a negative in the context of the Bucks, but as we’ve seen over the last couple of seasons, its impact generally depends on how it’s ultimately utilized

Gilgeous-Alexander’s wingspan create the opportunity for him to swallow up smaller guards, and shut off passing lanes alongside his long-armed teammates, but the issue may be that he’s too much like some of what the Bucks have at different positions, and not enough like what they obviously need to add.

Shooting is close to the first attribute that needs to be considered when examining a young prospect’s fit with Milwaukee, and although there are flashes that Gilgeous-Alexander can make the three-point shot, his incredibly low volume points to a reluctance to attempt it. The Bucks have enough potentially capable shooters who are crippled by three-point timidity already.

His vision makes him a nice addition for any team, but the Bucks have capable playmakers at multiple positions already. If anything, even in drafting a point guard, scoring and shooting are key for the Bucks.

Next: NBA Draft 2018 Prospect Watch: Keita Bates-Diop

There’s certainly a path to Gilgeous-Alexander hitting his full potential and becoming a really interesting player, but without reaching that lofty point, it’s hard to envision any kind of seamless fit for him in Milwaukee. Beyond that, Gilgeous-Alexander has enough potential that it would be a surprise if he wasn’t off the board by the Bucks’ turn to pick.