Milwaukee Bucks NBA Draft Prospect Watch: Aleksej Pokusevski

Milwaukee Bucks NBA Draft Prospect Watch: Aleksej Pokusevski – Strengths

What’s immediately striking upon watching Pokusevski’s game is the ease with which the seven-footer moves up and down the floor.

Add in the ball skills and tantalizing playmaking he possesses and the intrigue only rises around Pokusevski. He has a mix of size that helps him to read the game well and survey the floor like few others can. Whether it’s through the pick-and-roll or lasering up outlet passes on the break, Pokusevski’s ball handling may eventually be utilized as a leading initiator, that is if he falls in with a team that will help him further develop those skills.

Pokusevski’s ball handling and shot creation abilities equally shine when he pulls up off the dribble, whether from three or from mid-range. And with a smooth and fast trigger, Pokusevski will be able to stretch the floor off the ball or even off screens and the threat of his shot will only open up opportunities for him to put his head down and attack closeouts from overaggressive defenders.

On the other side of the ball, Pokusevski’s size, mobility and 7’3″ wingspan makes him a natural rim protector, even as his frame does lend to him being knocked around by more imposing players on the interior.

Those three qualities, along with Pokusevski’s awareness and off-ball activity, leads to him gliding over and defending the rim quite often and he’s shown to be a defensive playmaker as well. Time will only tell whether, through an improved build, Pokusevski may be more suited toward a switchable defensive scheme that will unlock his mobility and combat his physical concerns.