With a clear need for guard help, it wasn't a surprise that the Milwaukee Bucks have rumored interest in Alabama's Labaron Philon, as ESPN's Jeremy Woo reported. Well, it's no longer just rumored, as the team has now worked out the soon-to-be first-round selection, as noted by HoopsHype's workout tracker. Philon is officially on Milwaukee's radar, and understandably so.
Bucks' interest in Labaron Philon is justified
Milwaukee has little to no answers regarding ball-handlers in the backcourt. Ryan Rollons looks very lonely right now as Kevin Porter Jr. ponders his player option—the team also simply didn't employ a backup point guard after trading Cole Anthony last season. It would make all the sense in the world to beef up this backcourt in the draft if the Milwaukee Bucks have the opportunity.
In a draft class full of strong guards, Philon makes sense, especially in Milwaukee's range at pick 10. The Alabama standout is coming off a strong sophomore campaign, having improved almost across the board with averages of 22 points, five assists, and 1.2 steals per game. A two-way threat like that would make himself a fan-favorite in Milwaukee in no time.
If it's the direction they choose, the Milwaukee Bucks should be all the more comfortable drafting a guard because they have Taylor Jenkins at the helm. Known for his player development capabilities, Jenkins helped bring out the best in Ja Morant, another guard, during his time coaching Memphis. Perhaps the Bucks could entrust him to do the same with Labaron Philon.
Philon fits either timeline the Bucks are eying
With no clarity on Giannis Antetokounmpo's situation, at least not publicly, the Milwaukee Bucks are operating as a team that may or may not have him next season. Hiring Taylor Jenkins made sense in either scenario, given that he is someone who could lead a contending squad or develop the next group of youngers, and drafting Philon would as well.
At 20, Philon is young, but with two seasons of college experience under his belt, he's more polished than other guards in this class, so he could help a contender. If the Milwaukee Bucks enter a rebuild, Philon could be given an even larger runway to develop. Few players in this class fit the two-timeline approach as well as Philon.
Only time will tell if the Milwaukee Bucks' interest in Philon develops into anything, but it's clearly a scenario they're exploring.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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