NBA Draft 2019 Prospect Watch: Louis King

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 24: Louis King #2 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates after a basket in the second half against the UC Irvine Anteaters during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 24, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 24: Louis King #2 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates after a basket in the second half against the UC Irvine Anteaters during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 24, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
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SAN JOSE, CA – MARCH 22: (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA – MARCH 22: (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Fit with the Bucks

You can never have enough wings in the NBA, especially ones who either have a consistent three-point shot or ones who can guard multiple positions.

We know King has a strong, repeatable jumpshot with the size and fluidity to get it off when needed. While he certainly could find a role in the 5-out “pass-dribble-shoot” system that Mike Budenholzer employs, some of these offensive areas of his game are still fairly raw, but it boasts extremely high potential.

We also don’t know if his lanky frame will lend itself to being a malleable defender who can cover multiple positions, or one who will get pushed around too often and become a defensive liability that other teams seek out.

While adding upper body strength is paramount for NBA success, the Bucks’ weight room happens to be one of the best places to be for such a challenge, especially with how much time and capital the franchise invests in this branch of the organization. We’ve seen evidence of positive physical transformations including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jabari Parker, Malcolm Brogdon, etc.

The Bucks likely wouldn’t be expecting immediate year 1 impact out of a player like King, something they once admitted they wanted out of Donte DiVincenzo right after the 2018 NBA Draft. While the team is clearly in championship contending roster building mode, Jon Horst may also choose to keep an eye towards the next 3-5 years when they hope to still be competing for titles on an annual basis.

A pick like Louis King would certainly be a gamble, but at pick No. 30 you’re not dealing with guaranteed or known outcomes. There may not be a higher ceiling left of any prospect in the draft at that spot. Where the Bucks view King’s floor though will likely ultimately determine their level of interest.