The NBA Draft is right around the corner, and rumors surrounding which players the Milwaukee Bucks may have eyes on are finally surfacing. Per ESPN's Jeremy Woo, Labaron Philon Jr. and Karim Lopez's names have been connected to Milwaukee throughout the draft cycle. While the ultimate draft choice could expand between just these two, Philon feels like the right one if the Bucks must decide.
Bucks' draft record speaks for itself
What has been Milwaukee's biggest draft-related problem over the last few years? They love to take project players, but they don't love the development process. Players like MarJon Beauchamp, Chris Livingston, AJ Johnson, and Tyler Smith never got an opportunity to spread their wings. It's not too far-fetched to fear that Lopez, a 19-year-old NBL prospect, could suffer the same fate.
While the arrival of Taylor Jenkins instills some hope that the Milwaukee Bucks can be a team that actually develops players, it wouldn't make much sense if Giannis Antetokounmpo stays put. With new chatter making it clear he'd be open to staying, Milwaukee's best bet would be drafting a piece who can help them sooner rather than later, and Philon fits the bill over Lopez.
Both have upside, but Philon's is more potent
While Lopez is a raw 19-year-old who still has to refine his game quite a bit, Philon is more of a ready-made prospect. The 22-year-old just finished up his second season with the Alabama Crimson Tide, having taken on a larger role in the absence of former Buck Mark Sears. Now leading the charge, the All-SEC guard showed exactly why he should be a lottery pick in this draft cycle.
In 33 games, Philon averaged 22 points, five assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while knocking in 39.9 percent of his triple tries. The guard is a legitimate offensive weapon, capable of hunting for his own shot from anywhere, but he can also dish it to the open man. Also known for his pesky play on the defensive end, he'd fit snugly in Milwaukee's backcourt.
Philon still has plenty of room to grow, but he's more polished than Lopez, who could be sidelined for years before he's ready to play a role. If Giannis leaves, sure, it makes more sense to take on a project piece like Lopez, but until that is confirmed—which may never happen in the first place—the Bucks must act as if winning with the Greek Freak is the ultimate goal.
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