A concern scouts have about potential draft pick Hunter Sallis is his frame, as he played last season at 175 lbs, a bit undersized. The Milwaukee Bucks, who have Sallis on their workout list ahead of the June draft, have shown recently that they aren't totally opposed to players with this type of build, as they drafted AJ Johnson with a first-round pick last year.
Johnson played last season at 160 lbs, and there were major concerns about how he'd hold up at the NBA level at that size. The sample size was ultimately too small to tell, but it's something that might follow him as he develops with the Washington Wizards. Although Sallis is a bit bigger, 175 lbs for a two-guard is still on the smaller end, which could raise red flags.
Sallis' size is in question as the Bucks eye him
There are currently five active NBA players - Chris Paul, Mike Conley, Rob Dillingham, Keon Ellis, and Dennis Schroder - who weigh in at 175 lbs. Among them, four are point guards, with Ellis serving as the lone shooting guard. The interesting statistic is the height. Paul and Conley are 6 feet. Schroder is 6-foot-1. Dillingham is 6-foot-3. Keon Ellis is 6-foot-4. Sallis, 6-foot-5, is taller than all of them.
Sallis' weight is a big factor due to concerns about how he may hold up on the defensive end. He may get picked on by bulkier wings at the next level, leaving him vulnerable on that side of things. There is plenty of cause for concern in that regard. This team needs as many sturdy perimeter defenders as the roster can hold, and Sallis's size makes him a question mark in that regard.
Yet, the Milwaukee Bucks were clearly fine with it when it came to AJ Johnson, so the same could be true for Hunter Sallis.
Looking beyond the frame, there is a lot to like about what Sallis could bring to Milwaukee. He's got the type of scoring arsenal the Bucks could use in Damian Lillard's lengthy absence. Additionally, he possesses great defensive instincts and is a tremendous athlete. If the Milwaukee Bucks were to select him at 47th overall, there should not be an uproar.
Everyone has seen the transformation Giannis Antetokounmpo underwent when he got to Milwaukee. While he is one-of-one, it's possible Hunter Sallis can put on a few pounds in time if needed.
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