Flory Bidunga had been flirting with the idea of entering the NBA Draft, going as far as to work out for several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks. However, the big man has elected to instead remain in college, withdrawing his name from NBA consideration. One of the more interesting prospects the Bucks have worked out yet just took himself off their big board.
Bidunga would have been a strong fit
Uber athletic, 6-foot-9 forwards do not grow on trees. For a Milwaukee Bucks team that has looked slow and lethargic at many points over the last several years, largely due to a lack of reliable young players, a piece like Bidunga could have been welcome. He wouldn't be the magic cure, but he may have been a solid start for a team ready to turn the page.
Averaging nine rebounds and 2.6 blocks as a sophomore, Bidunga always used that athleticism to his advantage. He hunted for boards and dominated the competition—something the Bucks could surely use after their poor effort this past season. Defensively, not only does he have the awareness to be a formidable shot-blocker, but he has the athletic tools to deter any opponent coming his way.
Sure, one would like to see Bidunga expand his game offensively, as he does almost all of his damage close to the hoop—he shot two 3-pointers in college. That's why player development is so important at the NBA level. It would have been interesting to see Bidunga under someone like Taylor Jenkins, but that won't be happening—at least not this year.
Frontcourt depth should be on Milwaukee's mind
Obviously, everyone is keeping an eye on Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer. If he leaves, there will be a massive void in Milwaukee's frontcourt. Yet, even beyond that, Jericho Sims will be a free agent, while Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma will certainly be dangled in trades. Myles Turner's future with the franchise is far from a guarantee. This team could need bodies.
Perhaps they will look at Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg in the draft. It's hard to read a mock draft these days and not see Tennessee forward Nate Ament landing in Milwaukee. Even Cameron Corhen, another player the Bucks have worked out, would make some sense, though on a smaller scale than those other two.
The Milwaukee Bucks will have options, but Flory Bidunga will not be among them.
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