NBA Draft 2020 Prospect Watch: Kira Lewis Jr.

Fit with the Bucks

As we discussed when evaluating Tre Jones earlier this week, addressing the backcourt and specifically, the guard position, should be a priority for the Bucks this offseason in some capacity, whenever that officially starts.

Both Eric Bledsoe and George Hill will be under contract for the 2020-21 season, but things get pretty dire on the nights when the Bucks might be without either one of their veteran ball handlers. Adding someone of Lewis’ caliber in that mix will give the Bucks a capable piece to lean on in those scenarios in the short-term and he has a skill set that could make him a solid third guard overall, especially with the mix of creators that the Bucks have on their roster.

But the fact that the Bucks already have established contributors that will combine to take the majority of minutes at the 1-spot will be a blessing in disguise when it comes to Lewis’ long-term development.

With the upside that Lewis possesses, there will be plenty of leeway for him to develop, both on the court and physically, all with the long game in mind. That could include some time down in the G League on assignment with the Wisconsin Herd where the 18-year-old could gain some much needed reps against lesser competition and similarly minded players that are in need of development.

And it goes without saying that seeing how the Bucks’ development staff could guide Lewis through his early years as an NBA player would certainly be an interesting match as well.

In recent years, the Bucks have shied away from adding point guards and/or lead ball handlers through the draft and acquired their current guard duo via trade. Perhaps Lewis could be the one to break that up and stand as the Bucks’ point guard of the future if he catches their eye.