As NBA Draft workouts get underway, perhaps the most intriguing prospect the Milwaukee Bucks had looked into to this point was Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. With Taylor Jenkins, a coach known as a strong advocate for player development, at the helm, landing a young point guard would have made plenty of sense. Yet, Fears has withdrawn from the draft and will return to school for another year.
Fears would have been a solid pickup
As a junior, Fears was productive, averaging 15.2 points, 9.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Clearly, the assist numbers are what jump off the page the most. He's a pristine passing point guard who can dictate an offense in his sleep. In addition to his ability to create for others, Fears can get a bucket for himself at any given moment, keeping defenses on their toes at all times.
Although he had a shot at making the big leagues, many projected him as a late second-round pick. In today's game, players are better off returning to college for another year, taking home a solid payday, and raising their value before trying again next season. Fears has improved every single season he's been at Michigan State, and he will try to do so once again during his senior campaign.
During his senior season, Fears should focus on improving his outside shot. He has hit 32.1 percent of his triples on a mere 1.8 attempts during his first three seasons. That won't cut it at the NBA level, especially for a smaller guard. Perhaps the Milwaukee Bucks can take another look at him next year, particularly if that shot has improved.
Bucks should eye point guards
Per HoopsHype's workout tracker, four of Milwaukee's six early draft workouts have been with point guards. It makes sense. Ryan Rollins will be on the roster, but Kevin Porter Jr.'s future is unclear as he ponders a player option. This team desperately could use more ball-handlers, and picking one up in the draft, whether with the 10th pick or through the undrafted pool, would be a viable option.
It helps knowing they would be in good hands with Taylor Jenkins calling the shots. Mostly known for his work with Ja Morant in Memphis, Jenkins has established a reputation for his player development skills, especially with point guards. Whoever the Milwaukee Bucks land to beef up their backcourt this summer, they will walk into a great situation under Jenkins.
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