Whether it's due to injury, free agency, or other factors, the Milwaukee Bucks' backcourt is currently in flux as summer gets underway. If the team needs to bring in some new blood, they should absolutely consider selecting Duke guard Sion James with the 47th pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. James has plenty of skills that could help him fit right in with what the Milwaukee Bucks should be building.
Sion James could help the Bucks if drafted 47th
The Bucks need a do-it-all scrappy guard. While he might not be able to replicate the scoring output of Kevin Porter Jr. or Gary Trent Jr., James can impact the game in a number of ways. During his five years of college, James averaged 4.5 rebounds, three assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.5 blocks per contest. Like Pat Connaughton a few years back, James could be a Swiss Army Knife for the Bucks.
What jumps off the page with James is his defensive versatility and sheer motor. At 6-foot-5, 218 lbs, he's a bulky guard who can cycle between different positions defensively. His keen ability to generate steals could also be useful at the next level, helping his team create more transition opportunities and get more points on the board.
That's the style of play the Milwaukee Bucks must embrace next season. Rather than being an older, slower team that mainly relied on Giannis Antetokounmpo for transition opportunities, management must surround him with fellow athletes who can get out on the break in transition and play versatile defense. James fits that profile to a T.
With Damian Lillard injured, Porter and Trent set to test free agency, and Ryan Rollins also looking at the open market, there's no telling how Milwaukee's backcourt might look in the next several months. Taking a guard in the 2025 NBA Draft is becoming more and more likely by the day, it seems. James isn't the clear-cut candidate, but he has a strong case to hear his name called 47th.
According to HoopsHype's workout tracker, the only team to have James on their workout list so far is the Golden State Warriors. More names will certainly come forward within the next few weeks, and the Milwaukee Bucks should make their way onto that list. The NBA Finals are currently serving as the perfect example that teams need as many do-it-all wings as they can get.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.