Milwaukee Bucks: Why Kessler Edwards could be a good pick at 31

The 2021 NBA Draft is just around the corner, and the Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in an interesting position as they hold the 31st pick.

While there are unlimited avenues they could explore with the first pick in the second round, they will potentially be looking to bring in some young depth. A potential position of need for them would be wing depth, which is currently uncertain as a good portion of the roster is scheduled to hit free agency. If Milwaukee indeed plans to use their second-round pick for wing depth, Kessler Edwards could be the player they are looking for.

More from Bucks Draft

• Grading Milwaukee Bucks 2022 Draft Picks Beauchamp and Besson
• Milwaukee Bucks: 5 options for No. 17 pick in 2017 NBA redraft
• Milwaukee Bucks: 5 options for No. 10 selection in 2016 NBA redraft
• Milwaukee Bucks: 5 options for No. 17 selection in 2015 NBA redraft
• Milwaukee Bucks: 5 options for No. 2 selection in the 2014 NBA redraft

Edwards is a prospect out of Pepperdine University. Spending three seasons in Pepperdine, he grew into a great wing shooter and defender. Kessler could be a second-round sleeper pick, and the Bucks have the ability to pick him up at 31. The lengthy forward brings a level of defensive technique that fits perfectly at the NBA level.

With that said, here is a breakdown of Kessler Edwards and what he could potentially bring to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Kessler Edwards could bring defensive expertise to the Milwaukee Bucks

During his time spent at Pepperdine, Edwards certainly did not face talent that would show up high on the draft boards.

However, he still shows excellent defensive technique and effort for a mid-major basketball player. At the NBA Combine, Edwards measured at 6 feet-8 inches tall with a 6 foot-11 inch wingspan. With that large wingspan, Edwards keeps opposing players in front of him and moving laterally. His awareness and versatility on defense are a bright spot for him as he understands how to disrupt passing lanes and has the highly desirable ability to guard bigs in the post.

Edwards has the defensive ability that could easily translate to the NBA level. With his versatility, he could be used in a variety of positions ranging from one through five throughout the game. Kessler is a projected second-round pick, so he is not an elite athlete in his class. However, he brings a level of defensive knowledge that could certainly shine with a defensive-minded team like the Bucks.

Milwaukee undoubtedly prides itself on having versatile defenders such as Jrue Holiday and Giannis Antetokounmpo. If Edwards were to join that group, the defensive prowess of the Bucks would be tough to match for any opponent. If the Bucks are looking to shore up their defensive presence, Edwards could be a perfect pick for them at 31.