Fit with the Bucks
As we’ve delved into through previous entries involving guard prospects that have declared for this draft, the Bucks will have to address the point guard position at some point between now and the next 12 months, given the status of George Hill‘s contract.
Whether they’ll look to do that with their first round pick in this draft is the big question, but there’s some reason to believe that Dotson possesses traits and qualities that check some boxes the Bucks have historically valued at the guard spot.
For starters, Dotson’s blend of speed and toughness suits him very well with the Bucks defensively. And considering that Kansas played a similar defensive scheme to that of the Bucks with Udoka Azubiuke manning the last line of defense, the Charlotte native is well equipped to being the tenacious point of attack defender the Bucks have identified and valued under head coach Mike Budenholzer.
It’s very easy to see why Dotson could be viewed or compared to Eric Bledsoe because of their shared dashing quickness and the overall pressure they put on opposing defenses in the paint and at the basket.
But what differentiates someone like Bledsoe to Dotson is the strength and physical tools that Dotson either doesn’t possess or will have to work on to withstand the physicality that awaits at the next level. With that said, how much strength and muscle Dotson will look to put on will have to be monitored in order for him not to lose the speed he possesses.
Of course, the biggest question that is pertinent to Dotson and whether the Bucks will truly have interest in him in the end is his shooting ability. Dotson’s middling 3-point percentage calls that into question from the jump, but the fact that he’s a non-shooting threat off the dribble is one big mark against him.
That can be developed over time obviously, as we’ve seen with various players, including Bledsoe, and Dotson’s free throw shooting is a promising indicator in that regard.
There’s plenty to like in regard to Dotson’s theoretical fit within with the Bucks’ system and he’d have some valuable time to develop to acclimate to the NBA level with Bledsoe and Hill in place on the depth chart. The question of whether Milwaukee’s front office will see it the same way remains to be seen until the draft finally takes place.