Milwaukee Bucks: 5 options for No. 17 pick in 2017 NBA redraft
By Dalton Sell
No. 1 option for Milwaukee Bucks in 2017 NBA Draft — John Collins
This is the pick that stings the most for the Bucks. They selected a power forward with the 17th overall selection, only for the far superior option to go two picks later. That would be John Collins, who has developed into a near-star player for the Atlanta Hawks over the past four seasons.
Since being drafted in 2017, Collins has averaged 16.6 points, 8.4 rebounds,1.5 assists, and a single blocked shot per game for the Hawks. If he can continue his development, Collins looks to be a lock for a future spot on an All-Star team. He is a prolific scorer that has shown glimpses of potential on the defensive end, and his ceiling as an NBA player is sky-high right now. Without a doubt, Collins will be an All-Star at some point down the line.
Safe to say that the Bucks could have benefitted by selecting that power forward two picks earlier. The fit with Collins would have been interesting, considering that he and Antetokounmpo play the same position. Had they shared the floor, Collins’ serviceable outside shot – 38 percent on 2.3 attempts for his career – would have allowed the two to co-exist to some degree. It would have a lethal tandem if Collins remained on this same upward trajectory he has been on with the Hawks.
Of course, hindsight is always 20-20 when it comes to these redrafts. No one predicted at the time that Collins would develop into this perennial star, which is why he fell to Atlanta at 19. At 23-years-old, the future is bright for the former Wake Forest product, and the Bucks will likely see plenty of him down the line as the Hawks look like an Eastern Conference threat for the future.
dark. Next. Milwaukee Bucks: 3 bold predictions for the defending champs in 2021-22
Perhaps there will be a postseason rematch between the Bucks and Hawks next season.