As Damian Lillard rehabs from an Achilles injury, the Milwaukee Bucks must find depth to fill his place. While retaining both Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins should be their top priority, the team should also consider other options as depth pieces, which could potentially lead to them going after Markelle Fultz, the top pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Markelle Fultz would make some sense for the Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have already registered interest in Fultz in recent months, as the Sacramento Bee writer Jason Anderson reported that the team had interest before the guard signed with the Kings earlier this year. Had the Milwaukee Bucks not traded for Kevin Porter Jr. at the deadline, perhaps they may have filled their need for another guard with Fultz.
The guard's value is currently low. He only appeared in 21 games with Sacramento for an average of 8.8 minutes per game this past season. The year before, he played in just 43 games. Teams will not be banging down the door to sign him in free agency. However, that's exactly what makes him a project that a contender like the Milwaukee Bucks could explore.
Even if he's never lived up to the potential of being the top overall pick in a draft, Fultz has still shown glimpses throughout his career. When he was with the Magic, Fultz flexed potential defensively, using his 6-foot-4 height and 6-foot-9 wingspan to hound opponents. The Milwaukee Bucks could always use another quality guard defender in the backcourt.
Yes, there are concerns with the scoring and shooting, as Fultz has averaged just 10.4 points while shooting 28.8 percent from deep during his eight-year career. The shooting woes could make Fultz a wonky fit with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who thrives with shooting around him. However, one area that he can undeniably help in is passing, as he's a quality floor general with the ball in his hands.
Injuries are also a concern with Fultz, who has appeared in 60-plus games just twice in his career. Again, that's what makes him a reclamation project. The Milwaukee Bucks could bring him aboard via a non-guaranteed contract, let him play in the preseason, and go from there. If he performs, keep him. If he doesn't, they can let him go with little financial trouble.
For a team that needs to find a few diamonds in the rough, especially at point guard, this wouldn't be a high-risk move whatsoever.
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