The NBA Draft is just a week and a half away, and the Milwaukee Bucks currently hold the 24th pick. There are plenty of ways they could go with the pick, and one player who definitely could become the next Buck is Christian Braun out of Kansas. Here is a look at his strengths and weaknesses, as well as his fit on the team.
Christian Braun
- College: Kansas
- Position: Wing
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 210 lbs
- Age: 21
- Stats: 14.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game
- 50 percent from the field, 39 percent from three, 73 percent from the line
Milwaukee Bucks Draft Scouting Report: Christian Braun – Strengths
Defense
Christian Braun is a fantastic wing defender with quickness, toughness, and energy. He is good on or off the ball and is a nuisance on that end of the floor. According to Synergy, opponents shot just 30.6 percent when defended by him, and he ranked in the 86th percentile in points per possession allowed. He moves his feet well, makes the right rotations, jumps in passing lanes for steals, and overall is just a very impactful defensive player.
Shooting
In addition to his defense, Braun can really shoot the ball and projects as a nice 3&D guy at the next level. He made 41.3 percent of his spot up catch-and-shoot threes last season and 40 percent of all jumpers in the half court, both elite numbers. He can shoot off the catch or off the dribble very effectively, and can make shots even when contested. He has one of the smoothest shooting strokes in the draft, and there is really no reason to think he won’t be able to shoot it well in the NBA.
Athleticism
Braun is one of the most athletic players in the draft, which helps him in a number of ways. He is great in transition with the ability to throw down dunks and lobs thanks to his tremendous leaping ability. He ranked in the 77th percentile in points per transition possession. He is very good in the open floor and attacking the basket. That athleticism also obviously has it’s advantages defensively, as he can disrupt shots and stay with players effectively.
Pick-and-Roll Offense
Christian Braun also showed the ability to run the pick-and-roll effectively and make the right reads. He generated 1.14 points per pick-and-roll possession on his shot attempts and assists combined, ranking in the 95th percentile. Braun makes quick, decisive, effective passes, and is someone who can definitely run an offense a little bit when needed. He is a smart player who really contributes to winning basketball.